Sheikh Hasina Vows Return to Bangladesh Despite Death Sentence

Sheikh Hasina, the deposed Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has stated her intention to return to the country by December, even as she acknowledges the grave risks to her life. In an email response to AFP, Hasina, 78, said, 'I may be killed. I may be arrested. I may be sent to prison. I am fully aware of my fate. Still, I want to go back because my people are calling me.'

Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia in November 2024 by a special tribunal in Dhaka for crimes against humanity, related to her government's crackdown on protests that led to her ouster. The protests, which began as student-led demonstrations, escalated into a broader movement against her administration. Hasina has dismissed the sentence and other criminal convictions as 'politically motivated'.

Since the verdict, the government of Bangladesh has sought her extradition from India, where she has been living in exile. New Delhi has not publicly responded to the request. Hasina's comments come amid ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh, with the current government consolidating power and pursuing legal actions against her supporters.

The former prime minister, who led Bangladesh for over a decade, remains a polarising figure. Her supporters view her as a leader who brought economic growth and social development, while critics accuse her of authoritarianism and human rights abuses. The international community has closely watched developments in Bangladesh, with human rights organisations calling for due process and fair trials.

Hasina's determination to return underscores the high stakes in Bangladesh's political landscape. Whether she will actually return by December remains uncertain, but her statement signals her refusal to accept exile quietly.