Bangladesh’s Interim Government Clarifies Visa Status of Deposed PM Sheikh Hasina

The interim government of Bangladesh has addressed recent reports surrounding the visa status of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024 following widespread protests. Authorities clarified that once a passport is revoked, any associated visa becomes invalid, as reported by the Times of India.

Key Developments in the Case

1. Revocation of Passports
   • The Bangladesh government revoked the passports of 97 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina, citing alleged involvement in violent protests and enforced disappearances.
   • Of these, 22 passports were linked to cases of enforced disappearances, while 75—including Hasina’s—were connected to violence during the July 2024 uprising that resulted in multiple fatalities.
2. Sheikh Hasina’s Current Status in India
   • Sheikh Hasina is reportedly residing in India under a residence permit, a status distinct from a visa.
   • Indian authorities have clarified that while her visa has been technically extended, this does not imply she has been granted asylum. India, lacking specific asylum legislation, views her stay as a humanitarian measure.
3. Bangladesh’s Stance on Passport Cancellation
   • Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, a spokesperson for Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, explained that once a passport is revoked, visa-related issues become irrelevant.
   • Bangladesh has notified its diplomatic missions worldwide about these passport cancellations to inform other nations of the developments.
4. Extradition Request by Bangladesh
   • On December 23, 2024, the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, formally requested Sheikh Hasina’s extradition.
   • Hasina faces an arrest warrant issued by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for alleged involvement in enforced disappearances and violent incidents during the 2024 protests.
5. India’s Position
   • While India has yet to officially respond to Bangladesh’s extradition request, officials have emphasized that Hasina’s extended stay is a technical provision for humanitarian purposes.
   • She is currently under heightened security in a safe house in Delhi.

Reactions and Statements

• Md Touhid Hossain, Bangladesh’s foreign adviser, acknowledged the government’s limited recourse, stating, “What can we do?”
• He also noted that media reports have been the primary source of updates on Hasina’s status, with no official confirmation from India regarding extradition.

Background: The Fall of Hasina’s Government

Sheikh Hasina, leader of the Awami League, was ousted in 2024 amid widespread protests alleging corruption, mismanagement, and authoritarian practices. Her exile marks a dramatic turn in Bangladesh’s political landscape, as the interim government seeks to restore stability under Muhammad Yunus.

Outlook

The case remains a sensitive issue, with implications for India-Bangladesh relations and regional stability. Both nations face pressure to balance domestic legal considerations, international protocols, and humanitarian concerns.