UK law firm seeks passport for Hasina; Dhaka lacks proof

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The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi has received an email from London-based law firm Matrix Chambers requesting a new passport and National Identity (NID) card for deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

However, officials in Dhaka have been unable to verify whether the request was submitted with her formal consent.

A diplomatic source in New Delhi confirmed the receipt of the email on Monday (November 9) morning, following which the High Commission contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka to seek instructions on the next steps. Ministry sources also confirmed receiving information regarding the communication.

According to relevant sources, a lawyer from Matrix Chambers identified themselves in the email as representing Sheikh Hasina and requested the issuance of fresh Bangladeshi identity documents on her behalf.

The email noted that her previous passport and NID were reportedly revoked by authorities, urging appropriate measures to issue new ones based on her citizenship.

Diplomatic sources in Dhaka highlighted that the email lacked an authorization letter or consent document signed by Sheikh Hasina, making it unconfirmed whether the legal firm was acting directly on her instructions. Standard procedure requires formal authorization when a third party applies on an individual’s behalf.

Following the High Commission’s notification, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently determining its course of action.

Earlier, international news agency Reuters reported obtaining a copy of the request, marking the first formal communication regarding identity documentation since Sheikh Hasina fled to India following her downfall on 5 August 2024.

Addressing reporters earlier in the day during a briefing on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to Turkey for the COP31 Climate Summit, Foreign Secretary Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury declined to comment on the matter, noting that his remarks were restricted to the summit agenda.