Bangladesh’s Interim Government Plans to Revoke Diplomatic Passports of Sheikh Hasina and Other Officials

The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is moving to revoke the diplomatic passports held by ousted leader Sheikh Hasina, her Cabinet ministers, and members of parliament. This decision comes amid ongoing political turmoil and is expected to impact several high-profile figures who were previously part of the Hasina administration.
According to a senior official in the Bangladesh Home Ministry, the process to cancel these “red passports” has begun. The official explained that this action extends not only to Hasina and her ministers but also to officials who have been retired or whose contracts have been terminated. While a formal notification is yet to be issued, it is anticipated that written instructions will be sent to the Department of Immigration and Passports soon.
The revocation of diplomatic passports typically reflects a significant political shift and is a measure often taken when officials leave their positions. The interim government’s move signals a continuation of the substantial changes following Sheikh Hasina’s ousting.
Political and Diplomatic Repercussions
The decision to strip diplomatic passports from former officials underscores the gravity of the current political climate in Bangladesh. This action aligns with the broader context of Hasina’s ouster, which followed weeks of intense student-led protests against her administration. The interim government, under Yunus’s leadership, appears to be consolidating its position by severing official ties with the previous regime.
BNP’s Extradition Request
In a related development, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, has called on India to extradite Sheikh Hasina. The BNP accuses Hasina of orchestrating efforts to undermine the recent student-led protests, which they characterize as a “revolution.” Since her departure from Bangladesh on August 5, following the protests, Hasina has been living in India.
Hasina’s departure has led to numerous legal challenges. Over 40 cases have been filed against her, accusing her of serious crimes including murder, crimes against humanity, and genocide linked to the recent anti-quota protests. These accusations include charges related to violent incidents during the August 4 protests in Sylhet.
Current Situation and Future Prospects
As the political landscape in Bangladesh continues to evolve, the revocation of diplomatic passports and the BNP’s extradition request for Hasina are significant developments. The interim government’s actions reflect a broader effort to address the political unrest and transition from Hasina’s long tenure. The situation remains dynamic, with potential implications for both domestic politics and international relations, particularly involving neighboring India.