Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has declared her intention to return to Bangladesh in December 2024, despite a death sentence issued against her during her two-year exile. This announcement was made during an audio address at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi, marking the second anniversary of her ousting.
Sheikh Hasina’s Defiance Amid Legal Challenges
Hasina’s address was her first public statement since fleeing to India following widespread protests that led to significant violence in Bangladesh in 2024, resulting in nearly 1,400 deaths, according to a United Nations report. During her speech, she emphasized her commitment to return, stating that personal repercussions such as detention or imprisonment would not deter her from her duty to her people.
The former leader, now 78, noted that even though the court’s verdicts against her stem from what she called “fabricated cases,” she remains undeterred in her plans to go back to her homeland. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, participated in the address via video link from Washington, D.C.
Following her departure, Hasina’s political party, the Awami League, was banned, and she was sentenced to death in absentia in 2025 for alleged crimes against humanity related to the 2024 protests. Despite this, she dismissed the court’s ruling as legally void and has denied any wrongdoing during her tenure.
In her speech, Hasina attributed the protests to a “coordinated assault” on her government, alleging it was driven by organized violence and propaganda. However, political analysts have contested this narrative. Ali Riaz, a political science professor, stated that the uprising was a direct reaction to her government’s oppressive policies, and the violent crackdown demonstrated the state’s misuse of power.
The legal ramifications of her return could be significant. Riaz indicated that if Hasina comes back to Bangladesh, she would likely face immediate legal action based on the standing conviction against her. The complexities surrounding her return have raised concerns about potential diplomatic fallout, particularly between Bangladesh and India. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has distanced itself from the organization of Hasina’s press conference, while Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry expressed regret that it occurred on Indian soil despite Dhaka’s protests.
Why It Matters
Hasina’s potential return could reshape the political landscape in Bangladesh, reigniting discussions around legal accountability, governance, and civil unrest. Moreover, it poses a challenge for bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India, highlighting the intricate dynamics of regional politics in South Asia.