DHAKA: Bangladesh has rejected former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s request for a new passport and national identity card.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir said Bangladesh would not issue a passport to a “terrorist.” He described Hasina as a fugitive convict and urged India to hand her over under the countries’ extradition treaty.
Kabir also questioned whether Hasina should be treated like an ordinary traveller returning home. Hasina, who is living in India, has said she intends to return to Bangladesh and appear before a court. Her aides said a return date would be announced after administrative and legal procedures are completed.
Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina to death in absentia last November over her role in a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising. She has denied the allegations.
[Source: Reuters coverage via The Straits Times](https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/hasina-seeks-new-passport-in-clearest-sign-of-bangladesh-return)
