The interim government of Bangladesh has revoked the diplomatic passport of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This decision was announced on Thursday, following Hasina’s dramatic departure to India on August 5 amid a student-led uprising that ended her 15-year tenure.
The move aims to limit Hasina’s options and put India in a challenging position regarding her stay. Bangladesh’s interior ministry stated that all diplomatic passports issued to former high-ranking officials, including Hasina and her advisors, must be revoked now that they are no longer in office.
The cancellation comes as a United Nations team arrives in Dhaka to assess whether a probe into alleged human rights violations is necessary. Reports indicate that more than 450 people were killed during the unrest that preceded Hasina’s departure, many at the hands of police.
In response to the revocation, Hasina and other former officials may apply for standard passports, though these applications will require approval from two security agencies.
This development puts India in a difficult situation, as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has demanded Hasina’s extradition for alleged crimes. Additionally, a Bangladeshi war crimes tribunal has initiated investigations into mass murder accusations against Hasina.
The UN rights office has indicated that there may be grounds for further investigation into the use of excessive force by security forces during the protests. Bangladesh’s interim government has pledged to support any UN investigation.
