Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that he has not yet been able to verify the authenticity of the passport and National ID (NID) applications submitted by the fugitive convicted individual, Sheikh Hasina. He added that Bangladesh intends to bring Sheikh Hasina back to the country under the prisoner exchange agreement.
He made these remarks on Monday (November 9) in response to journalists’ questions at the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Secretariat.
Regarding Sheikh Hasina’s passport and NID applications, the Home Minister stated, “I have also heard, and seen on scroll news, that fugitive convicted individual Sheikh Hasina has applied for her passport and NID. However, I have not yet been able to verify the authenticity of this claim.”
Salahuddin Ahmed further stated that the legal basis of the application and whether Sheikh Hasina has the right to apply will be reviewed. In this regard, the Passport Act, Citizenship Act, and NID Act will be taken into consideration. Both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Law are currently examining the matter. Relevant ministries will issue a statement after the review is complete.
When asked about bringing Sheikh Hasina back from India, the Home Minister said, “Primarily, at this moment, I can state that we have sent a letter through our Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the country where a convicted individual has taken refuge, requesting her extradition in accordance with the law under the extradition treaty.”