Sheikh Hasina Seeks New Passport for Bangladesh Return

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has formally requested a new passport and identity card to facilitate her return to Bangladesh, according to reports from Al Jazeera and Reuters on November 9, 2026. This application is the clearest indication yet of her intent to return from two years of self-imposed exile in India.

Why it is trending now

The request is trending due to the high-profile nature of Hasina's potential return and the significant legal challenges she faces in her home country. Following her ousting, she has been living in India. She previously declared an intention to return to Bangladesh in December, though her government-denied passport request adds uncertainty to the timeline.

Key facts

• Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia by a Bangladeshi war crimes court in November 2025, as reported by Al Jazeera.
• The sentencing relates to her alleged role in a government crackdown on student protests in 2024, which resulted in up to 1,400 deaths according to United Nations estimates.
• According to The Hindu, the Bangladesh Law Minister has officially labeled Hasina a "convicted criminal" and confirmed that an extradition request has been sent to the Indian government.
• Hasina has stated to Reuters that she intends to surrender before a court in Bangladesh once formal arrangements are finalized.

Why this is trending in UAE

The search for information regarding Sheikh Hasina's passport request is trending in the UAE as part of a wider regional interest in South Asian political stability and the status of high-profile figures living in exile. The provided source notes do not specify a unique local UAE connection to the event.

Background and context

Sheikh Hasina served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh until her departure in 2024 during widespread student-led protests. Since then, she has resided in India. Her legal status has been a point of contention between the current Bangladeshi administration and Indian authorities, with the former seeking her return to face judicial proceedings related to the 2024 civil unrest.

What happens next

The immediate next steps involve the Bangladeshi government's processing of the passport request and the ongoing diplomatic discussions regarding her potential extradition from India. As of November 9, 2026, no specific date for her return has been confirmed, as her aides noted that formalities must be completed before a timeline is announced.