Dhaka: In a major blow to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, on Wednesday, revoked all diplomatic passports issued to Members of Parliaments. The latest decree will apply to those who are enjoying diplomatic immunity issued during the Hainsa era, according to the Home Ministry's latest order.
Handover Hasina to Bangladesh: BNP
The latest order from the interim government came days after Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) General Secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called for Hasina's extradition. Alamgir stressed that she should face trial in her home country. "It is our call to you that you should hand her over to the Government of Bangladesh in a legal way. The people of this country have given the decision for her trial let her face the trial," the BNP leader said.
Notably, Hasina fled to India after an unruly mob attacked her official residence in the national capital in the first week of this month. Since then, she has been living in New Delhi. She sought diplomatic immunity from several European and Western countries but none has agreed. External Affairs Minister during the monsoon session of the parliament confirmed Hasina's presence in India. However, he did not comment on whether she has a longer plan to stay in New Delhi.
As of now, sources said New Delhi has not received any requests from Dhaka but if it receives any, it is not legally bound to take action against Hasina.
Bangladesh protests and killings
At least three of Hasina's former ministers and advisers have already been arrested in Bangladesh. In her only statement since her ouster, Hasina has demanded a probe into the killings and vandalism during the protests. She has not commented on the charges against her.
Hossain, a retired diplomat, is the adviser on foreign affairs in the interim government led by Nobel laureate Mohammed Yunus, which was sworn in last week after Hasina's ouster. The council of advisers includes other retired officials, lawyers, student leaders of the protests and some opposition politicians.
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