Sheikh Hasina Maintains Political Activity Despite Exile, Signals Return to Bangladesh
Summary: Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reaffirmed her commitment to return to her homeland despite being in exile, indicating that she will continue her political engagements. Analysts suggest that her potential return could boost the morale of Awami League supporters and exert political pressure on the current government. The Bangladesh government has initiated legal proceedings against her and has formally requested India for her extradition. 20 Saun, Dhaka (Rassas/AFP).
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh has reiterated her determination to return home and remains politically active even while in exile. Analysts interpret her recent statements as efforts to unify Awami League supporters, sustain the party’s political influence, and preserve her relevance in national politics. The 78-year-old, currently in exile in India, expressed in July during an interview with AFP her intention to return to Bangladesh by the end of the year. She acknowledged the risks of arrest, imprisonment, or even death but emphasized her desire to come back prompted by popular demand.
On the occasion marking two years since her helicopter journey to India, a program titled “Sheikh Hasina’s Return Home” is scheduled for Wednesday in New Delhi, where she will address the audience via telephone. According to Mohammad Jalal Uddin Sikdar, professor of political science at North South University in Dhaka, Hasina remains an influential political symbol for the Awami League, with her possible return becoming intertwined with the party’s survival. A senior Awami League leader noted that since many party leaders and activists have been arrested, Hasina’s expressed wish to return reflects a sense of responsibility toward them.
He added that this stance could help maintain internal party morale. The Dhaka-based daily Prothom Alo analyzed Hasina’s announcement of her return as part of a strategic move to generate pressure to lift bans on the party, motivate its activists, and reestablish its political standing. However, former senior Awami League leader and current critic Mahmudur Rahman Manna rejected this view, suggesting that although there may be opportunities to reorganize the party by promoting other leaders, Hasina has chosen not to do so.
According to analyst Sikdar, Hasina’s potential return could increase political pressure on the current government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He expects that while Hasina might face legal procedures upon returning, her comeback could trigger political instability. Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s advisor Jahedur Rahman stated that the government would welcome Hasina if she returns and will proceed with judicial processes according to the law. He confirmed that Bangladesh has formally requested her extradition from India.
Hasina was sentenced in absentia by Dhaka courts for inciting unrest, ordering killings, and failing to prevent atrocities after her absence in court. Her possible return remains a sensitive issue in the improving bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India. Dhaka has repeatedly requested her extradition, while India has indicated that the matter is under legal consideration. Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jayswal clarified that the Indian government has no involvement in the “Sheikh Hasina’s Return Home” event and does not support the opinions expressed there. However, some Bangladeshi analysts view Hasina’s case as a matter that could impact diplomatic ties between the two countries. Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Dhaka-based Amar Desh daily, interpreted the issue as a political matter linked to the balance of power between New Delhi and Dhaka.