Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced plans to return to Bangladesh around December, saying she is prepared to face arrest, trial and even the possibility of death if necessary.
Speaking in an interview with Reuters, the ousted Awami League leader said she intends to return voluntarily along with other senior party leaders and surrender before a court, despite being sentenced to death in absentia and living in exile in India since 2024.
Sheikh Hasina says she is ready to return
Hasina said she is determined to return to her homeland regardless of the risks.
“They may arrest me on my return, they may even kill me. Still, I have to go.”
She added that if death comes, she wants it to happen in Bangladesh, where her parents are buried.
“If death comes, I want it to come on my own soil.”
Plans to surrender before the court
The 78-year-old leader said she and several senior Awami League leaders plan to surrender voluntarily after returning to Bangladesh.
Among those expected to return is former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who also faces legal proceedings.
Hasina, however, did not reveal an exact date for her return or specify before which court she intends to surrender.
Living in exile since 2024
Hasina fled Bangladesh in 2024 after widespread anti-government protests ended her nearly two decades in power across multiple terms as prime minister.
Later, Bangladesh’s war crimes tribunal sentenced her to death in absentia over allegations related to the crackdown on a student-led uprising. Hasina has consistently denied the charges.
She said Bangladesh has repeatedly sought her extradition from India but insisted she would return on her own.
“I will go myself.”
Calls legal proceedings politically motivated
Hasina argued that the cases against her and Awami League leaders are politically driven.
She claimed hundreds of party leaders and workers have faced arrests, legal action and intimidation since her government was removed from power.
“I believe in justice,” she said, adding that court proceedings would expose what she described as the weaknesses of the case against her.
No talks with Bangladesh government
Hasina said she has not held any discussions with Bangladesh’s interim authorities regarding her planned return.
According to her, issues relating to democracy, elections and the future of the Awami League should not be decided through private negotiations.
Awami League continues political outreach
Despite living in exile, Hasina said she remains actively involved in reorganising the Awami League.
She revealed that she has conducted online meetings covering 125 of Bangladesh’s 300 parliamentary constituencies to strengthen the party’s organisational network.
She also questioned why the Awami League should face restrictions from participating in politics.
“If we have done badly, let the people decide,” she said.
Return could reshape Bangladesh politics
Hasina’s proposed return is expected to have significant political implications for Bangladesh.
Her arrival could intensify political tensions as the country continues to navigate a period of instability following her removal from office. It may also influence diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and India, which have remained under scrutiny since New Delhi granted her refuge.
Neither the Bangladesh government nor India’s Ministry of External Affairs immediately commented on Hasina’s latest remarks.
