Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has taken a significant step towards returning to her home country by applying for a new passport and national identity card. This move is particularly notable as it comes after she was sentenced to death in absentia by Bangladesh's war-crimes court in November last year for her role in a violent crackdown on a student-led uprising.
The developments surrounding Hasina's potential return are complicated by statements from Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Humaiun Kobir, who has publicly insisted that Hasina should be extradited rather than permitted to travel back to Bangladesh. Kobir described Hasina as a "terrorist" and a "fugitive," emphasizing the existence of an active extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India, which he claims should be enforced to bring her back to face justice.S2
Hasina's planned return is set for December, and her actions signal a bold attempt to reclaim her position in Bangladeshi politics, despite the legal challenges she faces. The situation remains tense as both her supporters and opponents prepare for the implications of her potential comeback.S2
