Bangladesh’s Exiled PM Announces Return to Country in December

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh has stated she will return to her country from exile in India in December, regardless of the circumstances. She remains committed to this decision despite being sentenced to death for her government’s actions during the 2024 protests.

Hasina fled to India after student-led protests forced her from power in 2024. In 2025, a Bangladeshi special tribunal convicted her of crimes against humanity, citing her responsibility for the crackdown that resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries.

The United Nations reported nearly 1,400 deaths during the crackdown, though Hasina denies any wrongdoing and has rejected the tribunal’s verdict. Bangladesh has repeatedly sought her extradition, but India has not agreed to hand her over.

Hasina, who served as prime minister from 2009 to 2024, did not disclose her plans for returning to Bangladesh. She acknowledged the possibility of arrest, imprisonment, or even death upon her return, but emphasized her determination to be with her people.

Following her ouster, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus led an interim government for 18 months. In February, Tarique Rahman, a political rival of Hasina, won a landslide election under Yunus’ administration, with Hasina’s party barred from participating.

Hasina’s planned return comes amid a crackdown on her party, which remains banned. Senior leaders have been arrested or driven into exile, and she claims at least 20,000 party members have been killed since August 2024. Supporters have also lost homes, businesses, and livelihoods due to their political affiliations.

Rights groups have criticized Rahman’s government for restricting civil and political rights, though the government maintains that arrests are based on specific charges. Hasina expressed concern over the growing influence of hardliners in Bangladesh, which she claims has allowed extremist elements to gain confidence.