Sheikh Hasina apprehensive about return to Bangladesh, fears assassination

New Delhi: Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has made a significant statement regarding her return to the country. Talking to the media, she affirmed that she would definitely return to Bangladesh under any circumstances. Furthermore, Hasina stated that upon her return, she would surrender to the court. This marks the first time Hasina—who arrived in India after leaving Bangladesh in August 2024—has made such a statement concerning her return and subsequent surrender to the court.

What did Sheikh Hasina say?

The 78-year-old leader said that she and several members of her party, the Awami League (which has been banned in Bangladesh), would return home and surrender around December. Notably, Hasina has already been sentenced to death in Bangladesh on charges related to the crackdown on protesters during the demonstrations held in July 2024.

"I will definitely return to Bangladesh" – Hasina. During the interview, Hasina also spoke candidly about the ongoing tussle regarding her potential handover between India and Bangladesh. She said, "Dhaka officials want to take me back and are repeatedly sending letters to India seeking my extradition. There is no need for that; I will return on my own." Hasina acknowledged that she could be assassinated upon her return to Bangladesh, yet she remains determined to go back. She stated, "They could arrest me the moment I return, or even kill me. Despite this, I must go. My party workers are facing persecution. If death is inevitable, I want it to happen on my own soil—where my parents are buried and where their blood was shed." Also Read: Send Sheikh Hasina back; Bangladesh Foreign Minister makes the demand after meeting Jaishankar.

What did Hasina say about the judiciary?

 Sheikh Hasina further stated that she has full faith in the judiciary and that once court proceedings begin, people will realize how baseless the case against her is. She said, "I have faith in justice. When the hearing starts, it will become clear to everyone just how ridiculous this case is, and I want to prove that."

'Let the people decide': Hasina noted that following the fall of her government, cases have been filed against many Awami League leaders and activists, forcing many into hiding. However, she affirmed that she would rebuild her party. Hasina mentioned that she has already begun efforts to revive the party by holding online meetings with leaders from 125 of Bangladesh's 300 parliamentary constituencies. Sheikh Hasina stated she has no fear of imprisonment, having been jailed multiple times in the past. Hasina said, "When any government remains in power for a long time, mistakes can happen; no government is immune to this. But it is the public that should judge a government's actions—whether good or bad. I leave that decision to the people."

Hasina was ousted from power in 2024. It is worth noting that in 2024, student-led violent protests erupted in Bangladesh against Hasina's government. Following the movement, Sheikh Hasina was forced to step down and flee to India. Subsequently, in November 2025, a Bangladeshi tribunal sentenced her to death on charges of ordering a violent crackdown on protesters. Hasina has consistently denied these allegations. Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who served as Home Minister in her government, was also sentenced to death. Meanwhile, the Awami League has been banned in Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina has been living in India since her exile. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has repeatedly requested India for their extradition. However, India has not yet commented on the matter.