Sheikh Hasina Plans December Return to Bangladesh Despite Death Sentence

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared her intention to travel back to Bangladesh after spending two years in exile in India following her ouster. The 78-year-old leader made the announcement on Wednesday at an event organized by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia.

Her return comes despite a severe legal standing in her home country. Last year, Hasina refused to attend her trial in Dhaka, where a court found her guilty of incitement, ordering killings, and failing to prevent atrocities. She was subsequently sentenced to hang for crimes against humanity.

Exile, Arrest Risks, and Awami League Demands

Hasina fled Bangladesh in 2024 by helicopter after a student-led revolution toppled her administration following a brutal crackdown on protesters. Addressing her supporters and reporters via video link alongside her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and former Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, she addressed the likelihood of immediate arrest upon her arrival.

“I may be detained, I may be sent to prison. But fear cannot decide my duty to the people. I cannot stay away while my beloved countrymen are suffering.”

Sheikh Hasina, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh

Hasina indicated that she aims to return in December, though she noted the exact date will be established when the time comes. Beyond her personal return, she demanded that the government lift the current ban on her political party, the Awami League. Meanwhile, her son stated that their camp remains entirely unengaged in communications with the current administration in Dhaka.

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Diplomatic Tensions and India’s Stance

The announcement arrives as New Delhi and Dhaka navigate a delicate diplomatic phase aimed at repairing strained bilateral ties. Dhaka has submitted repeated formal requests for Hasina’s extradition. India has maintained that the legal process is examining the paperwork without offering a final decision.

Relations between the two nations have seen recent improvements under newly elected Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. In a sign of shifting diplomatic engagement, India extended an invitation to Rahman for an upcoming BRICS summit scheduled for September.

Indian officials moved quickly to distance themselves from Hasina’s virtual address. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday ahead of the forum, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal clarified the government’s position.

“The government has no involvement whatsoever in it, neither does it endorse any views that may be expressed at the forum.”

Randhir Jaiswal, Foreign Ministry Spokesman for India

He emphasized that the official position of the Indian government remains distinct from any statements made by the former prime minister during the virtual address.