TDS Desk:

The Department of Immigration and Passports has started the process of revoking the official passports of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her ex-cabinet members and former lawmakers, following the dissolution of both her cabinet and the 12th parliament.

Passport officials said that Sheikh Hasina, who resigned as prime minister and fled to India amid a student-led mass uprising on 5 August, had maintained a valid official passport until now.

“We have initiated the process to revoke the official passports of Sheikh Hasina and other members of her dissolved cabinet following her resignation. As per the law, they are no longer entitled to hold official passports,” a senior official told journalists on Tuesday.

When asked about the current status of Sheikh Hasina’s passport, the official mentioned that she still holds a valid official passport, but the process to cancel it is expected to be completed within a day or two.

According to reports from Indian media, Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India, has been seeking political asylum in several Western countries.

Passport officials said that under an agreement between Bangladesh and India, official and diplomatic passport holders from Bangladesh can enter India without a visa and stay for up to 45 days.

Following Sheikh Hasina’s departure, President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved the 12th parliament on 6 August, which was formed through the controversial general election held on 7 January this year.

Subsequently, on 8 August, an interim government was established, led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, to run the country through this transitional period.