Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has announced her intention to return to her home country in December, despite facing a death sentence due to her government’s actions against protesters. Reports from the Press Trust of India indicate that Hasina, currently in exile in India, is fully aware of the potential consequences of her return, including arrest and imprisonment.

Hasina was ousted from power following widespread protests in 2024 and subsequently fled to India. In 2025, a special tribunal in Bangladesh sentenced her to death for crimes against humanity, alleging that she had orchestrated a crackdown that resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries. A United Nations report cited that nearly 1,400 individuals lost their lives during this period.

Despite the serious charges against her, Hasina has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has contested the tribunal’s ruling, questioning the trial’s legitimacy. Bangladesh has sought her extradition multiple times, but India has thus far refused to comply with these requests.

Concerns Over Political Climate in Bangladesh

In her communications, Hasina expressed her determination to return, stating, “If death is my destiny, I would rather die on the soil of my own country, among my own people.” She articulated her desire to be with her supporters, who she claims have faced severe repression since her removal from office. Hasina’s Awami League party is currently banned, and many of its leaders have been arrested or forced into exile.

She has alleged that approximately 20,000 party members have been killed since August 2024, with thousands more arrested or forced into hiding. Hasina claimed that her supporters have lost their homes and livelihoods due to their political affiliations, asserting that there is no viable political or democratic environment in the country.

Human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch, have condemned the current government under interim leader Tarique Rahman for its actions against civil and political rights. The government has defended its operations, stating that arrests are based on specific charges rather than political motivations.

Hasina’s Stance on Int’l Support

When questioned about the possibility of international pressure from countries like the United States and India to ensure her safe return, Hasina clarified that she is not seeking foreign intervention. She emphasised her commitment to maintaining friendly relations with all nations but insisted that she does not require external approval to return to her homeland.

Concerns have been raised by global rights groups regarding the increasing influence of radical elements in Bangladesh, especially during the interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Minority communities have reported facing intimidation, although the Yunus government has denied these allegations.

Hasina, who previously took a strong stance against extremist groups during her tenure from 2009 to 2024, expressed her worry about the current political environment, which she believes has emboldened such elements. She stated that the existing situation has allowed radical groups to gain confidence, raising alarms about the future of liberal forces in the country.

Despite the looming threat of arrest and the death sentence, Hasina remains resolute in her decision to return to Bangladesh next month. Her commitment comes at a time when her party faces significant challenges and its members continue to endure pressure from the authorities.

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