The facts
AP and Reuters each report seeing a communication from Matrix Chambers asking Bangladesh's mission in New Delhi for new passport and national identity documents for Hasina. [1][2]
Prothom Alo reports, citing diplomatic sources, that the email said the firm acted for Hasina but included no authorization document or proof from her; whether she authorized the request remains unverified. [4]
Foreign-affairs state minister Humaiun Kobir opposed issuing the passport, while Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said officials were checking the request's authenticity and legal basis; a separate extradition request was sent to India. [2][3]
Hasina has said she plans to return in December, AP reported; that statement does not establish a travel date or route. [1][2]
Still unconfirmed
- Whether Hasina authorized Matrix Chambers to submit the request; Prothom Alo reports that diplomatic sources found no authorization document or proof in the email.
- Whether the request is legally valid or Bangladesh will issue either document.
- Whether India will respond to the latest extradition request or return Hasina.
- No agreed return date or travel arrangements are established.
Corrections & updates
Substantive update, 10 November: added Prothom Alo's report, citing diplomatic sources, that the Matrix Chambers email claimed to act for Hasina but included no authorization or proof from her. The AP/Reuters sighting of the communication is retained; the article now distinguishes the firm's claim from evidence that Hasina personally authorized the request.
Sources
References support the numbered facts above. Source checks: 10 Nov 2026, 07:09 UTC.
AP and Reuters each report seeing the communication from Hasina's counsel. Prothom Alo's local reporting, citing diplomatic sources, adds that the email itself contained no authorization or proof from Hasina; its lack does not establish whether she authorized the firm. The home minister's authenticity and legal review remains unresolved, while the foreign-affairs state minister's position and Dhaka's separate extradition request are attributed.
- Bangladesh’s ousted leader Sheikh Hasina appeals for a new passport to return from exile
The Associated Press · Reporting · 9 Nov 2026
Opened report; AP says it saw the request letter emailed to Bangladesh’s mission and quotes the home minister on legal review.
- Sheikh Hasina seeks new passport to return to Bangladesh, government denies request
Reuters · Reporting · 9 Nov 2026
Opened Reuters report; it says Reuters saw the lawyers’ letter and quotes the foreign-affairs state minister on extradition and passport policy.
- Hasina’s passport, NID applications being verified, says home minister
bdnews24.com · Reporting · 9 Nov 2026
Opened Bangladesh report quoting the home minister: the foreign and law ministries are checking authenticity and legal basis; a separate extradition letter was sent through the foreign ministry.
- Sheikh Hasina's new passport: Delhi receives email, forwards it to Dhaka
Prothom Alo · Reporting · 9 Nov 2026
Opened local report. Citing diplomatic sources in Dhaka and New Delhi, it says the law firm's email claimed to act on Hasina's behalf but contained no authorization or proof document from her; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed receipt of the email.