Bangladesh Government Rejects Sheikh Hasina's Request to Return
The Bangladeshi government refused to issue a passport to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, sparking nationwide violent protests and demands for her extradition from India.
The government of Bangladesh has refused to issue a passport to deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, labeling her a terrorist and a fugitive criminal. The decision follows Hasina's request for travel documents to return from exile in India this December. Aminul Islam Bulbul, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, stated that Hasina has no legal option but to face execution if she returns, as the appeal window for her November 2025 death sentence for crimes against humanity has expired.
These developments triggered nationwide protests organized by the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League. The unrest escalated into violent clashes with security forces, involving arson and crude bomb attacks. In Gopalganj, protesters set fire to a police vehicle, and in Faridpur, a bus driver died from smoke inhalation after his vehicle was torched. Security forces used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds, while the Dhaka Metropolitan Police arrested at least 33 individuals linked to the banned Awami League.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed warned that any attempt to create instability through conspiracies from across the border would not be allowed to succeed. While Bangladesh has demanded Hasina's extradition, the Government of India stated that the decision to return rests with Hasina herself. Hasina has characterized the legal proceedings against her as "biased and politically motivated."
