Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has announced plans to return to Dhaka later this year from India, where she has been staying since fleeing the country amid a student-led uprising in July-August 2024.
Her prospective return is drawing attention, particularly as politicians associated with current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman have criticized her heavily, with calls for her extradition from India. This situation is expected to escalate as political tensions rise around her potential return.
Hasina faces a death sentence delivered in absentia by a tribunal in Dhaka for crimes against humanity linked to the events of two years ago. Some observers speculate that her announcement may be a strategic move to regain political leverage, as the debate intensifies among the public and political spheres regarding her future.
Recently, Hasina requested the reinstatement of her revoked passport, a move that was met with swift backlash from the current government, led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Officials have indicated that they support her extradition in order to bring her back to face legal consequences.
Md Asaduzzaman, the Law Minister, referred to Hasina as a “convicted criminal” and reiterated that the Bangladeshi government had already sought her extradition. “Hasina needs to be brought back to face her punishment,” he stated. Additionally, Deputy Foreign Minister Humaiun Kobir labeled Hasina a “fugitive terrorist,” further underlining the government’s strong stance against her potential return.
No formal timeline has been established for her possible return, and the situation remains fluid as discussions continue and public interest grows. Authorities will likely monitor the developments closely in the coming weeks.
