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 despite being sentenced to death by the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal.

Hasina fled Bangladesh two years ago amid mass protests and was last seen escaping by military helicopter as thousands stormed her official residence. Since then, she has lived in exile in New Delhi, India.

In a rare public appearance at New Delhi's Foreign Correspondents' Club, Hasina addressed journalists via a poor-quality audio link, signaling 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 although Hasina's party, the Awami League, is banned from politics, her statement is likely to "uplift the lagging spirit" of her loyal supporters. 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, implying India's tacit support for 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.

A spokesperson for Bangladesh suggested the government might reconsider its stance, emphasizing that "We're a different Bangladesh; we're not vindictive like we used to be," signaling a potential shift in approach toward Hasina.

Sources

ABC Australia News