Sheikh Hasina Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced that she plans to return to Bangladesh from exile in India around December, saying she is prepared to surrender before the country’s courts alongside senior leaders of the Awami League.
Speaking in a nearly hour-long interview with Reuters, the 78-year-old former leader said she is aware she could face arrest—or even death—but believes returning home is the right decision.
“They may arrest me on my return. They may even kill me. Still, I have to go,” Hasina said.
She added that she wants to face whatever lies ahead in Bangladesh, where her parents are buried.
📅 Why Sheikh Hasina Is Returning
Hasina said she and several senior Awami League leaders intend to return voluntarily rather than wait for extradition.
Bangladesh has repeatedly requested that India extradite the former prime minister, who has been living in exile since leaving the country in 2024 after mass protests brought an end to her long rule.
Instead of waiting for a forced return, Hasina says she plans to travel back herself and surrender before the courts.
“I will go myself,” she told Reuters.
⚖️ Death Sentence and Legal Challenges
The former prime minister was sentenced to death in absentia by Bangladesh’s war-crimes tribunal in November over allegations linked to a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising.
Hasina has strongly denied all charges, insisting the legal proceedings are politically motivated.
She also questioned the fairness of the judicial process.
“I believe in justice. Once proceedings begin, people will see how farcical the court is,” she said.
🏛️ Awami League Leaders Also Plan to Return
According to Hasina, several senior Awami League leaders living outside Bangladesh are also preparing to return and surrender.
Among them is former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who also reportedly faces a death sentence.
Reuters said it could not independently verify the whereabouts of the other leaders.
🇮🇳 India Yet to Respond
India has not publicly commented on Hasina’s latest remarks.
Earlier this year, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it was reviewing Bangladesh’s extradition request while seeking to maintain constructive relations with Dhaka.
Bangladesh’s interim authorities have also not officially responded to Hasina’s announcement.
📉 Political Tensions Could Rise
Analysts believe Hasina’s return could significantly increase political tensions in Bangladesh.
Her arrival may become one of the country’s biggest political events since the 2024 protests that forced her from office.
Supporters argue she deserves a fair legal process, while critics maintain she should face accountability over allegations related to the protest crackdown.
🗳️ Hasina Defends Her Record
During the interview, Hasina acknowledged that every government makes mistakes but said voters—not political opponents—should decide the future of her party.
“No government is above error. But the right to judge belongs to the people,” she said.
She also revealed that she has been holding online meetings covering 125 of Bangladesh’s 300 parliamentary constituencies as part of efforts to reorganize the Awami League.
Despite her legal troubles, Hasina questioned why her party should remain suspended.
“If we have done badly, let the people decide,” she said.
📌 Key Highlights
✅ Sheikh Hasina says she plans to return to Bangladesh in December.
✅ She intends to surrender voluntarily alongside senior Awami League leaders.
✅ Bangladesh has repeatedly sought her extradition from India.
✅ Hasina faces a death sentence handed down in absentia and denies all allegations.
✅ She says she is prepared for arrest but wants to return to her homeland.
Source: Reuters
