Hasina Says She Will Return to Bangladesh Despite Death Sentence

Image: Collected

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced that she intends to return to Bangladesh after spending two years in exile in India, despite having been sentenced to death.

The 78-year-old made the announcement on Wednesday through a video address at an event organised by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC) of South Asia. She appeared alongside her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and several senior Awami League leaders, including former Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel.

Hasina said the exact date of her return would be revealed "when the time comes," adding that she hopes to return in December this year.

She also called for the ban on the Awami League to be lifted. Her son said they were not maintaining contact with Bangladesh's current government.

Hasina has remained in India since leaving Bangladesh by helicopter after the 2024 student-led uprising that removed her from office following a violent crackdown on protesters.

She later declined to appear before a court in Dhaka, where she was convicted of incitement, ordering killings and failing to prevent atrocities. The court sentenced her to death for crimes against humanity.

Her announcement comes as Bangladesh and India continue efforts to improve bilateral relations.

Bangladesh has repeatedly sought Hasina's extradition, while India has said the request is being processed through legal channels.

Relations between the two countries have improved under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who has been invited by India to attend the BRICS summit of emerging economies in September.

Ahead of Hasina's address, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Tuesday that New Delhi had no role in the event.

"The government has no involvement whatsoever in it, neither does it endorse any views that may be expressed at the forum," he told reporters.