Former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina has pledged to return to Bangladesh in December, despite facing a death sentence for crimes against humanity related to a deadly crackdown on a 2024 uprising.

Hasina, 78, who denies the charges, was tried in absentia after fleeing to India during the anti-government protests. On the second anniversary of her ousting, she addressed reporters via audio link at the Foreign Correspondents' Club in Delhi, stating, "I know that they may put me in jail or they may kill me, anything may happen, but still I have to go back."

She did not disclose specific plans or dates for her return. Hasina accused several organizations of turning the 2024 student protests into a "violent movement," though she provided no evidence for this claim. The United Nations estimates that up to 1,400 people were killed during the protests, most by gunfire from security forces. The protests began as a student-led movement against quotas in government jobs and escalated into a mass uprising.

Her Awami League party has been weakening since her removal from power after 15 years, and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by Tarique Rahman, assumed power following elections in February 2026.

Hasina's presence in Delhi has strained relations between India and Bangladesh, with Bangladesh requesting her extradition. India has stated it is examining this request. A foreign ministry statement warned that if Hasina returns to Dhaka, it could lead to political unrest.

India permitted Hasina to participate in the public media meeting, her first since being toppled.

Hasina also warned, "If Ms Hasina doesn't go back, the violence will continue and they will exterminate the Awami League," underscoring the political stakes involved.

Sources