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The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami believes there may be two reasons behind former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s reported request for a new passport and national identity card (NID).
Speaking in a video message on Monday, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahbub Zubair said the move could be an attempt to create an impression that Hasina was preparing to return to Bangladesh, potentially misleading the public.
The second possible reason, he said, could be to reassure Awami League leaders and activists who were left behind when Hasina fled the country in August 2024.
Zubair also suggested that the move could be linked to her efforts to retain her leadership position in the party.
He argued that if Hasina announced she would not return, the party might have to appoint someone else as its leader.
He said the government should take steps to bring Hasina back from India through the existing extradition treaty so that she could face the sentence handed down by the court.
Zubair added that the government could pursue diplomatic and legal measures, including discussions with India and seeking assistance from international organisations.
His remarks came after reports emerged that a UK-based law firm had contacted the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, requesting the issuance of a new passport and NID for Hasina.
However, the government has said it is examining the authenticity and legal basis of the request.
