Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced plans to return to Bangladesh from exile in India around December and surrender to authorities, signaling a willingness to confront charges against her. Speaking in a telephone interview, Hasina, 78, said she and senior members of her Awami League party intend to voluntarily present themselves in court, challenging the current government's treatment of the country’s most prominent political opponent.
Hasina, who served multiple terms over 20 years as Bangladesh’s longest-serving leader, fled the country in 2024 following widespread protests that ended her tenure. In her absence, a war-crimes court sentenced her to death in November for allegedly ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising—a charge she denies. The crackdown reportedly resulted in up to 1,400 deaths, according to a United Nations report.
“They may arrest me on my return, they may even kill me,” Hasina said during the interview. “Still, I have to go. My party leaders and workers are being subjected to tremendous repression. If death comes, I want it to come on my own soil, where my parents are buried and where their blood was shed.”
In addition to Hasina, other senior Awami League figures, including former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal—also sentenced to death—are expected to return and surrender, although their whereabouts remain unclear. Hasina stated that Bangladesh’s authorities have repeatedly requested India to extradite her, and that she plans to come back on her own accord despite the risks.
Hasina’s return has the potential to further intensify political divisions in Bangladesh, a major garment exporter still grappling with instability following the upheaval of the past two years. At the same time, her move could influence strained relations between Bangladesh and India, which have deteriorated since New Delhi granted her refuge. Bangladesh has made multiple formal extradition requests to India, which has said it seeks to “engage constructively with the new government and further strengthen bilateral ties.”
Spokespeople for the Bangladesh government did not respond to requests for comment on Hasina’s announcement. India’s foreign ministry also declined to comment, though in April it indicated it was reviewing the extradition request.
Sheikh Hasina rose to prominence following the assassination of her father, an independence leader, and much of her family during a military coup. Known for championing democracy in her early political career, she was credited with significant economic progress in the Muslim-majority nation of roughly 170 million people. However, her extended rule faced criticism for suppressing dissent and weakening democratic institutions, allegations she rejects.
Hasina also cited the repression of Awami League members: “Cases have been filed against almost all of our leaders and workers, and many of them are in hiding,” she said. While she declined to specify the exact date of her return or the court before which she will surrender, Hasina emphasized her determination to face the legal proceedings in Bangladesh.