Not an application for Sheikh Hasina's passport, Matrix Law Chamber sought advice: Sishir Monir

Sishir Monir said death-row convict Sheikh Hasina is currently in India. On her behalf, Matrix Law Chamber lawyer Steven Casey sent an email to the Bangladesh High Commission; in that email, advice was sought on how to quickly complete the necessary documents to obtain a passport and NID. If anyone applies for a passport, they will do so as an application, not seek advice—there is no scope to view the email as an application, he remarked.

According to the lawyer, Sheikh Hasina's passport was cancelled on 7 January 2025. Under Article 10 of the Bangladesh Passport Order, 1973 and Rule 11 of the Passport Rules, 1974, if a passport is cancelled, instead of applying for issuance of a new passport, one must appeal against the cancellation; however, no such appeal was made on Sheikh Hasina's behalf. He further said that to claim any right under the law, the person concerned must first surrender to the law—there is a question whether a fugitive accused can seek such a remedy.

Sishir Monir also raised questions about other activities of Matrix Law Chamber. He said the organisation filed a complaint in Geneva on 28 September 2026 against Bangladesh alleging human rights violations; besides, on 28 October 2025 it filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) alleging the commission of crimes against July uprising protesters. According to him, reviewing these activities suggests that Matrix Law Chamber has been engaged not only for legal work but also to conduct diplomatic activities.