The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi has received an email from Matrix Chambers, a London-based law firm, requesting a new passport and national identity card (NID) for ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, reports Prothom Alo.
However, diplomatic sources in Dhaka said it was not possible to verify whether the request had actually come from Sheikh Hasina. The email contained no documents or proof of authorization from her, which would typically be required when an organization submits an application on someone else's behalf.
A diplomatic source in New Delhi confirmed to Prothom Alo that the High Commission received the email on Monday morning. The mission subsequently contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka for guidance on how to proceed.
Sources at the ministry also confirmed receipt of the information from the High Commission.
According to sources familiar with the communication, a lawyer from Matrix Chambers stated at the beginning of the email that the firm was acting on behalf of Sheikh Hasina. The email outlined several points and requested the issuance of a new passport and NID card.
It also referred to reports that the interim government and other authorities had revoked Hasina's existing Bangladeshi passport and NID.
The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi was asked to take the necessary steps to issue her new documents.
Earlier, Reuters reported, citing a letter it had obtained, that Sheikh Hasina had requested a new passport and NID card to facilitate her return to Bangladesh. The request was reportedly submitted to the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.
