Bangladesh’s interim government has revoked the diplomatic passport of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, intensifying the political and diplomatic fallout following her dramatic exit from the country earlier this month. Hasina fled to India by helicopter amid a student-led uprising that led to her ousting and has now become entangled in a complex diplomatic situation involving her current host, India.
The decision to cancel Hasina’s diplomatic passport comes as part of a broader move by the interim administration to revoke similar documents for former officials, including ministers and lawmakers no longer in office. According to a statement from Dhaka’s home ministry, such revocations are standard practice once officials are removed from their posts.
“The former prime minister, her advisers, the former cabinet, and all members of the dissolved national assembly were eligible for diplomatic passports by virtue of the positions they held,” the statement explained. “If they have been removed or retired from their posts, their and their spouses’ diplomatic passports have to be revoked.”
The ministry also indicated that Hasina and other former officials could apply for standard passports, but such applications would require clearance from two security agencies before being issued.
The revocation of Hasina’s diplomatic passport introduces a diplomatic dilemma for India, where the ex-premier currently resides. India, as a regional powerhouse, has been managing its relationship with Bangladesh amid the ongoing crisis and the international scrutiny that follows. The situation has been further complicated by recent human rights investigations into Hasina’s administration.
In the aftermath of Hasina’s ousting, a United Nations team has arrived in Dhaka to assess allegations of human rights violations. The protests leading up to her removal saw over 450 people killed, many by police gunfire, as demonstrators stormed Hasina’s official residence in Dhaka, ending her 15-year rule marked by accusations of authoritarian practices.
The UN rights office issued a preliminary report last week suggesting “strong indications” of disproportionate force used by security forces during the protests. This has prompted calls for a more thorough, independent investigation into the alleged abuses, adding pressure on both the Bangladeshi authorities and international actors involved.
India’s handling of Hasina’s status is likely to affect its relations with Bangladesh. The former prime minister’s presence in India and the diplomatic implications of her passport revocation may strain diplomatic ties between the two countries. India has traditionally had a significant role in regional politics and has to navigate its stance carefully amid the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh.
The revocation of her diplomatic passport places Sheikh Hasina in a precarious situation, potentially limiting her mobility and official status. While she can apply for an ordinary passport, the process will involve additional scrutiny and could impact her ability to engage in international diplomacy or travel freely.
The revocation of Sheikh Hasina’s diplomatic passport by Bangladesh’s interim government marks a significant development in the ongoing political turmoil. It underscores the complex interplay of domestic politics, international relations, and human rights concerns. As the UN continues its investigation and India manages the diplomatic fallout, the situation remains fluid, with potential repercussions for both regional stability and international diplomacy.
