Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced that she intends to return to Bangladesh later this year despite facing a death sentence handed down in her absence. In a recent interview with an Indian television channel, the 78 year old leader said she remains determined to return home and dismissed the court ruling as politically motivated.
Sheikh Hasina has been living in India since August 2024 after leaving Bangladesh following a student led uprising that brought an end to her 15 year rule. Since then, she has largely stayed away from public appearances, making only a few speeches from India. Her latest interview marks one of her strongest public statements since leaving office.
During the interview, Hasina said she was not afraid of death and insisted that the legal proceedings against her were unconstitutional. She argued that the verdict was part of a political campaign aimed at preventing her from returning to national politics. According to Hasina, she was elected as prime minister five times and dedicated her leadership to the country’s economic growth and development.
Last year, a court in Dhaka convicted Hasina in absentia on charges that included incitement and failure to prevent serious crimes during the political unrest. The court sentenced her to death, while the activities of her former political party, the Awami League, were also banned.
Bangladesh’s political landscape has changed significantly following the election victory of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman earlier this year. Although diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and India have improved, Dhaka continues to seek Hasina’s extradition from India, creating a point of tension between the neighboring countries.
Political analysts believe Hasina’s announcement could have a major impact on Bangladesh’s already sensitive political environment. Whether she will be able to return safely remains uncertain, but her statement has once again placed the country’s political future in the international spotlight. Her planned return is expected to remain a closely watched issue in the months ahead.
