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Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to address an international media gathering via videolink from her exile in New Delhi on Wednesday. The 78-year-old has remained in India since fleeing the country in 2024 following widespread civil unrest. The virtual appearance at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia will include her son and other members of her Awami League party.
Hasina’s public statement comes at a significant moment, marking two years since her government’s collapse during protests against a government job reservation system. She has previously indicated plans to return to Bangladesh in December, stating her willingness to face arrest or prosecution upon arrival. Observers anticipate she will provide details about her political intentions and future course of action during Wednesday’s speech.
Her situation remains legally precarious. Bangladesh’s government has sentenced her to death in absentia for crimes against humanity, citing her alleged ordering of a security force crackdown that resulted in approximately 1,400 deaths and thousands of injuries. Dhaka has requested her extradition from India, a request New Delhi has declined. Bangladesh authorities banned domestic media outlets from broadcasting her remarks, prompting criticism from her supporters who argue such restrictions silence legitimate political discourse.
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Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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