Bangladesh's Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam has cast significant doubt on ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's stated intention to return to the country, labeling her recent application for new identity documents a "political stunt." Hasina, currently in self-imposed exile in India, recently requested a fresh Bangladeshi passport and National Identity Card (NID) through her lawyers.
Speaking to journalists, Aminul Islam asserted that Hasina's actions, widely reported in various media, lacked genuine legal commitment to facilitate her return. "Her recent activities, as reported by various media outlets, are merely a political stunt. She is not taking the legal steps she should take to return to Bangladesh," Islam stated, as quoted by The Daily Star.
Hasina Seeks New Documents Amidst Exile
The request for new documents marks the first direct communication from Hasina since she departed Bangladesh in 2024. Her legal representatives cited the reported revocation of her existing passport and NID, urging for expedited issuance of new documents based on her Bangladeshi nationality and international human rights obligations.
Previously, Hasina had expressed a strong desire to return to Bangladesh, even vowing to voluntarily surrender before a court despite the possibility of arrest or a death sentence. "They may arrest me on my return, they may even kill me. Still, I have to go," she reportedly said, expressing a wish to return to her homeland where her parents are buried.
Legal Ramifications and Extradition Efforts
Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia by a war-crimes court in November of the preceding year (2025) for allegedly ordering a deadly crackdown during a student-led uprising that led to the end of her rule. She has consistently denied these charges, describing the legal proceedings as politically motivated.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh continues to pursue Hasina's repatriation through diplomatic channels. Dhaka has repeatedly requested India to extradite the former Prime Minister. New Delhi has indicated it is examining the request and aims to engage constructively with Bangladesh's new government regarding the matter.