The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi has received an email from Matrix Chambers, a London-based law firm, requesting a new passport and national identity card for deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Diplomatic sources confirmed that the email, received on Monday morning, was immediately forwarded to the foreign ministry in Dhaka for further instructions.
Email Content and Next Steps
After receiving the email, the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi contacted the foreign ministry to seek guidance on how to proceed, particularly since the email was sent without any authorization document or proof from Sheikh Hasina herself. Multiple Bangladeshi diplomats based in Dhaka and Delhi confirmed this information to Prothom Alo.
State Minister's Response
When approached for comment, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir told Prothom Alo at the foreign ministry on Monday afternoon, "There is no way to understand that the application from Matrix Chambers is Sheikh Hasina's application, because the email sent by the law firm does not contain any valid document or proof of authorization to apply on her behalf." He added that verification is required before any decision is made based on this email.
Jamaat's Analysis
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has offered its analysis on why Sheikh Hasina might be seeking a passport and NID. In a video message sent to the party's media WhatsApp group, Ehsanul Mahbub Jubayer, secretary of the party's publicity and media department, said there could be two reasons behind the application.
"It is still not clear why Sheikh Hasina wants a passport and NID. But there could be two reasons behind this application. One could be that she is adopting a strategy to return to the country, misleading the people. Another could be that since she fled the country leaving behind party leaders and workers, she might do such work to pacify them." — Ehsanul Mahbub Jubayer, Secretary, Publicity and Media Department, Jamaat-e-Islami
Jubayer also remarked that if Sheikh Hasina announced she would not return, a different person could be made party chief. Therefore, ensuring her position remains intact could also be a reason for this application.
Background
Sheikh Hasina served as prime minister of Bangladesh for three consecutive terms from 2009 to 2024 under the Awami League government. Following last year's mass uprising, she left the country and has been residing in India since then, according to various sources. The email regarding her new passport and NID application has sparked discussions in diplomatic circles.
Next Steps
The foreign ministry has received the email and is currently reviewing the matter. Authorities are examining whether there is any valid authorization from Sheikh Hasina's side. No formal decision has been announced by the foreign ministry yet.
