Hasina seeks new passport as Bangladesh reviews application

Sheikh Hasina’s lawyers have asked Bangladesh’s diplomatic mission for a new passport and national identity card, as the former prime minister says she plans to return from India in December and surrender before a court. Bangladesh’s government is reviewing the application while continuing to seek her extradition from India.

The request was made by Matrix Chambers, the London-based law firm representing Hasina. Its letter cited her Bangladeshi nationality and the reported revocation of her existing passport and identity card, and asked officials to process the applications promptly. Most reports said the letter was sent to Preeti Rahman, acting high commissioner at Bangladesh’s mission in New Delhi. One account identified a different recipient in London; the recipient has not been clarified in the reports.

Hasina’s aides said an exact return date would be announced after outstanding formalities are completed. Her stated plan does not establish that travel arrangements have been made or that Bangladesh will issue the requested documents.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said authorities were examining the application’s legal basis, whether it followed due process and whether Hasina...