News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/22nd August 2024
In a significant development, Bangladesh’s interim government has begun the process of revoking all diplomatic passports, including those held by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her Cabinet ministers, and members of parliament (MPs). A senior official from the home ministry, speaking anonymously, confirmed this decision on Thursday, signaling a major shift in the nation’s diplomatic protocols.
The revocation, though not yet formalized through official notification, is expected to apply not only to Sheikh Hasina and her allies but also to officials who were either forced into retirement or had their contracts terminated. These diplomatic passports, often referred to as “red passports” due to their distinctive color, were originally issued to individuals in high-ranking official positions. However, with these individuals no longer holding their respective offices, the interim government has deemed it necessary to retract these privileges.
“As they are no longer in their positions, the decision to revoke their passport was taken,” the senior official explained. While the home ministry has only issued verbal instructions so far, a formal written directive is anticipated to follow soon, possibly within the day. These instructions have already been communicated to the Department of Immigration and Passports, indicating that the process is well underway.
The decision to revoke these diplomatic passports comes in the wake of reports suggesting that many former Cabinet ministers and MPs from Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party have attempted to flee Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina herself stepped down amid escalating student-led protests and reportedly fled to India on August 5. There have been claims that Hasina left without valid travel documents, further complicating the situation.
In response to these developments, the Border Guard Bangladesh has intensified security along the border with India, aiming to prevent any further escape attempts by high-profile political figures. Several Cabinet ministers were reportedly detained while trying to flee the country, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
The process of issuing and revoking diplomatic passports in Bangladesh typically involves approvals from both the home and foreign ministries. According to sources familiar with the matter, the home ministry recently recommended the revocation of these passports, and it is expected that the foreign ministry will soon instruct the passport department to carry out the necessary cancellations.
Diplomatic passports in Bangladesh are usually granted to individuals holding key positions within the government, including the president, prime minister, Cabinet members, MPs, judges of higher courts, and senior officials in public universities and missions abroad. These passports are typically valid for five years, corresponding to the tenure of the parliament. However, with the expiration of the current parliamentary term, the validity of these passports has also come into question.
The decision to revoke diplomatic passports marks a critical juncture in Bangladesh’s political landscape, particularly in light of the recent upheaval and the uncertain future of many former officials. As the interim government moves forward with these changes, the implications for those affected—and for the broader diplomatic community—remain to be seen.
