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An email requesting the issuance of a new Bangladeshi passport and national identity card (NID) for ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina has been received by the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi from London-based law firm Matrix Chambers.
A diplomatic source in Delhi confirmed receipt of the email on Monday morning (November 9). The High Commission subsequently informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka, seeking instructions on the next course of action.
Sources at the Foreign Ministry in Dhaka also confirmed receiving the communication. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir is expected to brief journalists on the matter.
However, several diplomatic sources in Dhaka said there was no clear evidence establishing that the request had been made with Hasina’s authorisation. The email reportedly did not include any document or proof confirming that the law firm was authorised to act on her behalf.
According to sources familiar with the matter, a lawyer from Matrix Chambers introduced himself in the email as Hasina’s legal representative and requested the issuance of a new Bangladeshi passport and NID.
The email reportedly stated that the interim government and other authorities had cancelled Hasina’s existing Bangladeshi passport and national identity card.
It urged the High Commission to take necessary steps to issue her new travel and identity documents.
Earlier, Reuters, citing a letter obtained by the news agency, reported that Hasina had sought a new passport and NID to facilitate her return to Bangladesh. The report said an application had been submitted to the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Monday.
