DHAKA: Bangladesh’s interim government on Thursday revoked the diplomatic passport of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country by helicopter to India earlier this month amid a wave of student-led protests that toppled her 15-year autocratic rule. The move intensifies the political and diplomatic consequences for Hasina, who is now in India.
The Bangladeshi interior ministry said on Thursday that Hasina’s diplomatic passport, along with those of former ministers and ex-lawmakers no longer holding their positions, has been canceled. This decision follows a period of significant unrest that led to Hasina’s ouster.
“All diplomatic passports held by former officials and their spouses must be revoked as they are no longer eligible for such status,” the interior ministry stated. The revocation of these passports leaves Hasina in a precarious position, as she now lacks diplomatic protection and may face challenges in international travel.
The protests that culminated in Hasina’s removal resulted in the deaths of over 450 persons, many of whom were reportedly killed by police during the unrest. The turmoil saw crowds storm Hasina’s official residence in Dhaka, leading to her flight to India.
The UN rights office has indicated that there are “strong indications” that security forces used “unnecessary and disproportionate force” during the crackdown on protesters, prompting calls for further independent investigations.
A United Nations team arrived in Dhaka on Thursday to assess the human rights situation and determine whether further investigation is warranted. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has pledged full cooperation with the UN’s inquiries. Yunus has also stated that his administration would “provide whatever support” is necessary for the investigation.
Hasina, who fled to India’s capital, New Delhi, has had a complex relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Hindu-nationalist government in India had favored Hasina over her rivals from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Modi’s government has maintained a supportive stance toward Hasina even as it now hosts her.
The interim administration in Dhaka has also initiated investigations into the unrest, including a probe by a Bangladeshi war crimes tribunal set up by Hasina herself. These investigations focus on allegations of “mass murder” linked to her tenure.
With the diplomatic passport revocation, Hasina and other former officials from her government now face restrictions on their international movements. They can apply for standard passports, but these are subject to approval by security agencies.
