Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has declared her intention to return to Bangladesh from exile in India around December, despite facing a death sentence in absentia. Hasina, who fled Bangladesh in 2024, stated she would voluntarily surrender to a court, asserting her readiness to face arrest or even death upon her arrival.
Speaking in an interview, the 78-year-old leader, who served as prime minister for 20 years, underscored her commitment to her homeland. "They may arrest me on my return, they may even kill me. Still, I have to go," Hasina reportedly said. "If death comes, I want it to come on my own soil, where my parents are buried and where their blood was shed." She also urged her party members to follow suit.
Charges and Exile
Hasina's decision comes after a war-crimes court sentenced her to death in November 2024. The charges stemmed from her alleged role in ordering a crackdown on a student-led uprising. She has consistently denied these accusations, labeling them politically motivated. Her departure from Bangladesh followed widespread protests that ultimately ended her long tenure as prime minister.
Former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who also faces a death sentence, is among other senior Awami League colleagues expected to return alongside Hasina. While she did not specify an exact date or the court for her surrender, she expressed confidence in her ability to challenge the court's proceedings as unjust.
Diplomatic Efforts and Political Implications
Bangladesh has been actively pursuing Hasina's repatriation through diplomatic channels. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam confirmed that Dhaka's efforts began under the interim regime led by Muhammad Yunus and are continuing under the current Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led government. Islam dismissed Hasina's public statements as irrelevant to the ongoing legal and diplomatic process.
Hasina's return could significantly escalate political tensions within Bangladesh, which has sought stability after two years of unrest. Her presence may also impact relations with India, which granted her refuge and has been examining Bangladesh's extradition request. India has indicated its intention to engage constructively with Bangladesh's new government regarding the matter, while emphasizing adherence to established protocols and international norms for repatriation.