Skip to content
 
Search

Latest Stories

Sheikh Hasina’s diplomatic passport cancelled

Former prime minister faces possible extradition from India amid ongoing legal challenges

Sheikh Hasina’s diplomatic passport cancelled
Eastern Eye
By Eastern EyeAug 24, 2024

BANGLADESH'S interim government has revoked the diplomatic passport of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and those of all former Cabinet members, more than two weeks after she resigned and fled to India amid a student-led uprising.

The Security Services Division of the Home Affairs Ministry announced on Thursday (22) that diplomatic passports issued to the former prime minister, her advisors, ex-cabinet members, and all members of the recently dissolved Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament), along with their spouses, would be immediately revoked, according to the official BSS news agency.

Following Hasina's departure, president Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved the 12th Parliament, and the country is currently governed by an interim administration led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus.

The ministry's statement also mentioned that diplomatic passports would be revoked as soon as an official’s tenure or appointment ends.

Ordinary passports may be issued to these individuals, pending clearance from at least two investigating agencies.

Hasina, 76, fled to India after resigning on August 5 in response to widespread protests led by students.

According to the Daily Star, under India's visa policy, Bangladeshi citizens with diplomatic or official passports are entitled to visa-free entry and a stay of up to 45 days.

As of Thursday, Hasina has been in India for 18 days. The cancellation of her diplomatic passport and visa privileges raises the possibility of her extradition, as she faces 51 legal cases in Bangladesh, including 42 for murder.

According to the treaty signed in 2013 and amended in 2016, "extradition may be refused if the offence for which it is requested is an offence of a political character."

It also says that certain offences – like murder – "shall not be regarded as offences of a political character" for the purposes of the treaty. However, one of the grounds for refusal of extradition is if the charges being pressed have not been "made in good faith, in the interest of justice", the report said. (PTI)

bangladesh - diplomatic passport - interim government - sheikh hasina

Related News

Asian-inspired garden earns five awards at Hampton Court
News

Asian-inspired garden earns five awards at Hampton Court

More For You

uk weather

Amber heat health alerts have been issued across several regions of England

iStock

England faces widespread heat alerts and hosepipe bans amid rising temperatures

Highlights:

  • Amber heat health alerts in place for large parts of England
  • Hosepipe bans announced in Yorkshire, Kent and Sussex
  • Temperatures could reach 33°C over the weekend
  • Health risks rise, especially for elderly and vulnerable groups

Heat warnings in effect as UK braces for another hot weekend

Amber heat health alerts have been issued across several regions of England, with temperatures expected to climb to 33°C in some areas over the weekend. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) activated the warning at 12 pm on Friday, with it set to remain in place until 9 am on Monday.

The alerts cover the East Midlands, West Midlands, south-east, south-west, East of England, and London. Additional yellow alerts were issued for the north-east, north-west, and Yorkshire and the Humber, starting from midday Friday.

Keep ReadingShow less
Essex ladybird invasion

One of the largest gatherings was filmed on a beach at Point Clear

Dee-anne Markiewicz / SWNS

Swarms of ladybirds invade Essex coastline amid soaring temperatures

Highlights:

  • Ladybird swarms reported across Essex and Suffolk coastal towns
  • Hot weather likely driving the sudden surge in population
  • Sightings include Point Clear, Shoebury, Clacton and Felixstowe
  • Similar outbreaks occurred in 1976 during another hot UK summer

Sudden surge in ladybird numbers across the southeast

Millions of ladybirds have been spotted swarming towns and villages along the Essex coast, with similar sightings stretching into Suffolk. Residents have reported unusually high numbers of the red and black-spotted insects, particularly near coastal areas, with the recent hot weather believed to be a major contributing factor.

One of the largest gatherings was filmed on a beach at Point Clear, a village near St Osyth in Essex, where the insects could be seen piling on top of each other on driftwood and plants.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kapil Sharma

Kapil Sharma’s Canada cafe shot at days after opening

Instagram/ginnichatrath

Kapil Sharma’s Canadian café targeted in shooting, Khalistani terrorist cites mockery of Nihang Sikhs as motive

Highlights:

  • Shots were fired at Kap’s Café in Surrey, Canada, owned by comedian Kapil Sharma, just days after its opening.
  • Khalistani extremist Harjit Singh Laddi, linked to banned group BKI, claimed responsibility.
  • The motive cited was an old comedy segment from The Kapil Sharma Show that allegedly mocked Nihang Sikhs.
  • No injuries were reported; Canadian authorities are investigating the incident.

Comedian Kapil Sharma’s recently launched Kap’s Café in Surrey, British Columbia, was the target of a shooting in the early hours of 10 July. Though no one was harmed, the property sustained significant damage. A known Khalistani extremist, Harjit Singh Laddi, has claimed responsibility for the attack, citing perceived religious disrespect on The Kapil Sharma Show.

 Kap\u2019s Cafe in Surrey  Kap’s Cafe in Surrey was struck by gunfire late at night with staff still insideInstagram/thekapscafe_

Keep ReadingShow less
Police probe hate crime over migrant effigies bonfire in Northern Ireland

Models depicting migrants wearing life jackets in a small boat alongside two banners reading 'Stop the boats' and 'Veterans before refugees' are displayed on top a bonfire in Moygashel, Northern Ireland, on July 9, 2025. (Photo by PETER MURPHY/AFP via Getty Images)

Police probe hate crime over migrant effigies bonfire in Northern Ireland

POLICE in Northern Ireland have launched a hate crime investigation after a bonfire topped with effigies of migrants in a boat was set alight in the village of Moygashel, County Tyrone.

The incident, which took place on Thursday (10) night, has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders, church officials, and human rights groups.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navratri festival in Wembley

A similar event held at the same site last year resulted in a planning enforcement notice being issued due to complaints of noise and disturbance.

Getty Images

Navratri festival in Wembley faces objections

A PROPOSED 10-day Hindu festival in Wembley, north London, has drawn objections over concerns about noise and disruption in the area.

Asian Events Media (AEM) has applied to Brent Council to host the Navratri celebration at Alperton Studios from September 22 to October 1, according to The London Standard.

Keep ReadingShow less
© Copyright 2025 Garavi Gujarat Publications Ltd & Asian Media Group USA Inc