Sheikh Hasina Plans Bangladesh Return Despite Arrest Risk

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced that she intends to return to Bangladesh in December despite acknowledging that she could face arrest or imprisonment upon her arrival.

Speaking in an audio address to international Media in New Delhi on Wednesday, Hasina said she could not remain away from Bangladesh while its people were facing difficulties. The statement marked her first address to the international media since she was removed from office exactly two years ago following the political upheaval of August 2024.

The former prime minister said that although she was aware of the legal and political risks awaiting her, she believed her responsibility to the people of Bangladesh outweighed concerns about her personal safety.

Sheikh Hasina Confirms Plan to Return in December

Hasina said she had already decided to return to Bangladesh before the end of the year.

“Whatever fate awaits me, I will return to my people. I cannot stay away while my beloved countrymen are suffering. I know I may be detained, I may be sent to prison. They may try to enforce verdicts issued in fabricated cases, but fear cannot decide my duty to the people. My life goes beyond calculations of personal safety,” she said.

She also confirmed the expected timeline for her return.

“I have announced my return and will do that in December. Obviously, I will announce the date at an appropriate time,” she said.

If the visit takes place, it would mark her first return to Bangladesh since her removal from office in August 2024.

Life in India Since Her Removal From Power

The 77-year-old Awami League leader has been living in Delhi since she was ousted from office following large-scale student-led Protests in Bangladesh on August 5, 2024.

Since leaving Bangladesh, Hasina has largely remained out of public view, making only limited public statements. Her latest remarks therefore represent one of her most significant public interventions since leaving office.

Her announcement comes as Bangladesh continues to witness political realignments following the change in government.

Hasina Says Her Return Is Not About Regaining Power

During her address, Hasina rejected suggestions that her planned return was motivated by a desire to reclaim political office.

Instead, she said her objective was to contribute to what she described as restoring Bangladesh’s development, stability and democratic process.

“I want to return because people deserve security, development, prosperity and peace. My return and the return of the Awami League to the democratic process is not about power, it is about putting Bangladesh on the right track. It is about reviving the country’s path of development, progress, secularism and stability,” she said.

Her remarks underline that she continues to present herself as the political leader of the Awami League despite the party’s changed position following the events of 2024.

Criticism of Bangladesh’s Current Political Situation

Hasina also criticised the present political leadership in Bangladesh, alleging that the country’s democratic and secular traditions had been weakened.

“I believe in democracy and secular polity. They have already destroyed the monuments of our freedom and our pride,” she said.

These comments reflect the continuing political divide between the former ruling Awami League and the interim administration that assumed office after her removal.

A Political Career Marked by Exile, Prison and Violence

While explaining why she was prepared to return despite the risks, Hasina referred to several defining moments from her political life.

She recalled that she had experienced imprisonment, exile and repeated assassination attempts over several decades.

“In 1971, I was in prison with my mother, and my son Joy was born in captivity. In 1975, I lost my family. I spent six years in exile. After returning home, I fought against the military dictatorship and political conspiracies. There were 19 assassination attempts against me. Even the grenade attack of 2004 could not stop me. Therefore, I am not worried about my own future; I am worried about the future of Bangladesh,” she said.

The comments placed her current situation within the broader context of her long political Career, which has included periods of opposition, exile and leadership.

Legal Cases Continue to Shape the Political Landscape

Since Hasina’s departure from office, legal proceedings against her have continued in Bangladesh.

According to the available information, the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus disbanded the Awami League through an executive order issued under Bangladesh’s anti-terror law following the political transition.

In November 2025, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina to death in absentia after convicting her of crimes against humanity in connection with the crackdown on the 2024 student protests.

Hasina has consistently rejected the charges, describing them as politically motivated.

Bangladesh’s Extradition Request and India’s Position

Bangladesh has also sought Sheikh Hasina’s extradition from India.

New Delhi has acknowledged receiving the request and has stated that the matter remains under legal consideration.

No official decision has been announced regarding the extradition request.

This legal process could become increasingly significant if Hasina proceeds with her stated plan to return to Bangladesh later this year.

Timeline of Key Developments

Why Her Announcement Matters

Sheikh Hasina remains one of Bangladesh’s most influential political figures despite being out of office. Her announcement has significance beyond her personal future because it could influence the country’s political discourse and the future of the Awami League.

The statement also comes at a time when Bangladesh cont