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 her leadership, storming her official residence. Speaking via a shaky audio link at New Delhi's Foreign Correspondents' Club, the 78-year-old signaled she is unwilling to accept the end of her political career.

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 said the current Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government likely fears Hasina's return could trigger a mass mobilisation of Awami League supporters.

"If the Indian government didn't want this to happen, it would not have happened," Professor Datta added, suggesting India's tacit approval of Hasina's public address and planned return.

Meanwhile, for families of the estimated 1,400 people killed during the 2024 protests, Hasina's exile in New Delhi represents denied justice. Observers speculate the Bangladesh government might reconsider its stance, with some suggesting it could portray itself as "a different Bangladesh; we're not vindictive like we used to be," aiming to show a more evolved political climate.

The political landscape remains uncertain as Hasina prepares for her return, raising questions about the future of Bangladesh's governance and stability.

Sources