'Merely political posturing': Bangladesh says Hasina has no intention of returning

Bangladesh government on Monday said former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has no intention of returning to the country from India, amid reports that she had sought a new passport and national identity card.

Chief prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said Hasina's recent activities, as reported by various media outlets, were "merely political posturing".

"Her recent activities, as reported by various media outlets, are merely political posturing," The Daily Star quoted Islam as saying.

"She is not taking the legal steps she should take to return to Bangladesh," he told journalists at his office.

Asked about reports that Hasina had applied for a new passport, Islam reiterated, "For now, our comment is that she will not return and that these activities are political posturing."

His remarks come days after Hasina expressed her intention to return to Bangladesh in December, despite facing serious legal challenges, including a death sentence handed down in absentia by a special tribunal over the deadly crackdown on protesters in 2024.

Hasina has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024, following a student-led uprising that toppled her Awami League government.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh's state minister for foreign affairs, Humayun Kobir, on Thursday ruled out issuing any travel document or passport to Hasina, describing her as a "fugitive terrorist" and a "dictator".

Bangladesh has also sought Hasina's extradition from India, where she took refuge after leaving office.

India has acknowledged receiving Bangladesh's extradition requests but is yet to announce a decision on handing her over.

The ministry of external affairs has said the requests are being examined as part of its established processes.