Dhaka:State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir announced today that Bangladesh will not issue a passport or travel pass to fugitive former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Instead, her return from India will be sought exclusively through the bilateral extradition treaty in place between the two countries.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the state minister emphasized that the extradition treaty with India is meant for apprehending terrorists and criminals, implying that no passport is needed for such individuals. He further stated that Sheikh Hasina is considered a fugitive and a terrorist, and thus, Bangladesh would not issue her a passport as if she were a regular visitor.
Humaiun Kobir made these remarks while speaking to journalists after seeing off a Chinese delegation led by Liu Haixing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. He clarified that there is no legal requirement to issue travel documents for the return of a convicted fugitive, as the extradition treaty provides the necessary framework for repatriation.
The state minister highlighted that judicial warrants and the established legal process under the extradition treaty are adequate for pursuing Hasina's return. He criticized the former prime minister for her alleged role in the deaths of thousands, questioning the appropriateness of treating her like an ordinary traveler.
Reasserting Bangladesh's stance, Kobir stated that the country is demanding Hasina's formal handover by Indian authorities rather than facilitating her return through normal travel means. He emphasized that the extradition treaty serves as the legal basis for seeking the transfer of individuals accused of serious crimes.
On a related note, when asked about the Bangladesh-China-Myanmar economic corridor, Humaiun Kobir expressed that Dhaka does not foresee geopolitical complications with this initiative. He noted Bangladesh's interest in the corridor but stressed that resolving the Rohingya crisis sustainably is a prerequisite for its implementation.
The state minister also expressed optimism about strengthening Bangladesh-China relations following Liu Haixing's visit, which he hopes will enhance political, economic, and strategic cooperation between the two nations.