Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh widely known as the "Iron Lady" for her 15 years in power, has publicly declared her intention to return to Bangladesh in December 2026. This marks her first public appearance since fleeing to India two years ago amid mass protests and a death sentence issued by Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal.

Hasina, daughter of Bangladesh's founding leader, escaped her country in 2024 as thousands protested against her leadership, storming her official residence. Speaking via a fragile audio link at New Delhi's Foreign Correspondents' Club, the 78-year-old former leader did not address the crimes for which she was sentenced but instead emphasized her ongoing political relevance.

Sreeradha Datta, an international affairs professor at Om Prakash Jindal Global University, noted that despite the Awami League being banned from politics, Hasina's statement is likely to "uplift the lagging spirit" of her loyalists. Datta also suggested that the BNP government fears Hasina's return could trigger a mass mobilization of Awami League supporters.

"If the Indian government didn't want this to happen, it would not have happened," Professor Datta said, implying India's tacit approval of Hasina's public reemergence.

For families of the estimated 1,400 people killed during the 2024 protests, Hasina's exile in New Delhi represents denied justice. Meanwhile, some believe the current government might reconsider its stance, with hopes of portraying a more evolved and less vindictive Bangladesh.

The political landscape remains uncertain as the country awaits Hasina's planned return, which could reshape Bangladesh's future.

Sources

ABC Australia News