Dhaka: The interim government of Bangladesh has announced the revocation of the passport of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 96 other people, accusing them of being involved in enforced disappearances and the deadly incidents in July.
Hasina, aged 77, has been residing in India since August 5, 2024, after fleeing Bangladesh following widespread protests. The protests, led by students, resulted in the fall of her Awami League government, which had ruled for 16 years.
Arrest warrants against Sheikh Hasina
Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued arrest warrants for Hasina and several former Cabinet ministers, advisers, as well as military and civil officials, charging them with crimes against humanity and genocide. The deputy press secretary of the Chief Adviser, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, confirmed that 22 individuals’ passports were cancelled due to their alleged involvement in forced disappearances, while the passports of 75 others, including Hasina, were revoked for their role in the July killings.
While Bangladesh government has not disclosed the names of all those affected by the passport revocation, reports indicate that India has extended Hasina’s visa to allow her continued stay in the country. This comes amid growing calls in Bangladesh for her extradition. Hasina has remained largely out of the public eye since her arrival in India. Sources suggest that she is currently staying in a safehouse in Delhi.
India extends Hasina’s visa
Indian government has denied granting Hasina asylum, noting that India does not have specific laws for asylum seekers or refugees. The visa extension process, which was handled by the Union Home Ministry, involved approval from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), though details of the extension remain private.
The Bangladesh interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has sought Hasina’s extradition and sent a diplomatic request to India’s Ministry of External Affairs on December 23. Despite the diplomatic efforts, Hasina’s status remains uncertain as she continues her stay in India, and the legal proceedings in Bangladesh against her and others involved in the controversial events remain ongoing.
