Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh is reportedly facing the possibility of arrest immediately upon her return from India. This assertion was made by Bangladesh’s Law Minister M Asaduzzaman on Thursday, amidst Hasina’s declaration of her intention to return to the country by December 2026, despite her concerns for personal safety.

Hasina, who is 78 years old, expressed her fears in a recent interview, stating, “I may be killed. I may be arrested. I may be sent to prison. I am fully aware of my fate. Still, I want to go back because my people are calling me.” Her desire to return has been echoed in discussions with party colleagues, as she has been contemplating her options since fleeing to India following her government’s ousting in August 2024.

In his comments, Asaduzzaman acknowledged Hasina’s right to return, but underscored that the law would dictate the proceedings upon her arrival. He stated, “Despite being a death penalty convict, being a Bangladeshi citizen, if she intends to surrender showing respect to the law by returning home, perhaps she will be arrested before she could do so.” He emphasised that the legal authorities would act as permitted by the law.

Concerns Over Legal Proceedings

Questions regarding the legal status of Hasina have been raised, particularly following her conviction in absentia for crimes against humanity, linked to her government’s actions during the protests of 2024. A special court issued a death sentence against her in November 2025, which has been labelled as flawed by human rights organisations including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

After the interim government took charge following Hasina’s ousting, her political party, the Awami League, was disbanded under an anti-terrorism law. This political shift has resulted in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party gaining power, with Tarique Rahman serving as Prime Minister, illustrating the contentious aftermath of the 2024 protests and the ongoing power struggles within Bangladesh.

As Hasina plans her potential return, the law minister was questioned about her ability to re-enter the country after her passport was reportedly revoked by the interim government. He stated, “It is her problem, not mine,” but assured that appropriate legal actions would be taken upon her arrival. The minister reiterated, “Whenever she will enter into our territory, I will enforce the authority that the law has reposed upon me.”

International Considerations and Extradition Requests

As Bangladesh has sought Hasina’s extradition for some time, New Delhi has acknowledged the request and indicated that it is currently under legal review. The international community has expressed various concerns regarding the fairness of the legal processes in Bangladesh, particularly regarding the political environment surrounding Hasina’s potential return.

The interaction between local and international law, alongside the recent electoral shift in Bangladesh, highlights the complexities of Hasina’s situation and the legal ramifications that may ensue should she proceed to return. The developing political climate and legal landscape will likely continue to evolve as her situation progresses.

Overall, if Hasina returns by the stated deadline, her arrest at the airport seems imminent, reflecting the contentious political climate in Bangladesh and the ongoing legal evaluations surrounding her case. The matter remains complicated by international scrutiny and the ongoing discussions about legal process fairness.

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