Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced her intention to return to her home country after spending two years in exile in India. The 78-year-old leader made the declaration during a video address at an event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia on Wednesday, appearing alongside her son and other members of her Awami League party. She indicated that December of this year would be her target timeframe for the return, though she did not specify an exact date.
Hasina’s decision to come back is particularly significant given the serious legal jeopardy she faces domestically. She was convicted in absentia of incitement and crimes against humanity in connection with a brutal crackdown on protesters in 2024, resulting in a death sentence. Despite these circumstances, she expressed her commitment to her people, stating that her sense of duty outweighs personal concerns about potential imprisonment or detention.
The announcement comes as bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India show signs of improvement under newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. However, India’s Foreign Ministry has moved to clarify that it bears no responsibility for Hasina’s statements and does not endorse her views. While Bangladesh has previously sought her extradition, Indian officials have maintained that any such request continues to be examined through established legal channels.
Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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