Sheikh Hasina Expresses Desire to Return Home Despite Death Sentence Risk

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has reaffirmed her commitment to return to her country in December despite the risk of facing the death penalty for alleged crimes against humanity. She continues to deny the accusations leveled against her. Hasina fled to India following the 2024 anti-government uprising that resulted in her removal from power. While she was absent from Bangladesh, legal proceedings were held in her absence, culminating in her being found guilty. Marking two years since her ousting, Hasina spoke via audio link at a press club in Delhi on Wednesday, stating that she “must return.” However, she did not announce a specific plan or date for her homecoming.

Last year, a special court based in Dhaka sentenced Hasina to death for ordering lethal force against protesters. Since then, her Awami League party has weakened significantly. Pressure has also increased on Indian authorities to extradite her. The virtual event in Delhi marked the first time Hasina, who was in power for 15 years, has engaged with journalists since being deposed. Following her audio address, she answered several questions, declaring, “I am aware they can imprison me or even kill me. Anything can happen; however, I must return.”

During her remarks, Hasina accused certain organizations of transforming the 2024 student movement into a “violent uprising,” although she did not present evidence to support this claim. She has consistently rejected the charges against her as politically motivated. Meanwhile, United Nations investigators have found proof that she and her administration employed organized and lethal use of force to retain power.

Relations between Bangladesh and India have become strained, prompting Hasina’s flight from Dhaka. Shortly after her removal, an interim government took control. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party came to power following February elections, with Tarique Rahman currently serving as Prime Minister. Rahman’s administration has previously warned local media not to publish or broadcast Hasina’s statements. Following her address, the Bangladesh government expressed dissatisfaction with the permission granted in India for her to participate in a public media event.