Bangladesh’s ousted leader Hasina plans December return with party colleagues to surrender

Bangladesh, Bangladesh Jul 10, 2026 ALN: Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in exile in India since 2024, has announced her plans to return to Bangladesh in December with senior colleagues from her party, the Awami League. This decision comes in the wake of a death sentence handed down to her by Bangladesh’s war-crimes court in absentia, following accusations that she ordered a violent crackdown on a student-led uprising. The political landscape in Bangladesh has been fraught with tension, and Hasina’s return could significantly alter the dynamics of the country’s political scene.

Sheikh Hasina, who is 78 years old, has been a central figure in Bangladeshi politics for over five decades. Her political journey began after the assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was a key leader in Bangladesh's struggle for independence from Pakistan. Following her father's death in a military coup in 1975, Hasina became a prominent advocate for democracy and political rights in the country. Her tenure as Prime Minister has been marked by significant economic growth, but also by allegations of authoritarianism, suppression of dissent, and human rights abuses.

In her recent interview with Reuters, Hasina expressed her determination to return to Bangladesh despite the risks involved. "They may arrest me on my return, they may even kill me," she stated, reflecting on the dangers that await her. However, she emphasized the need to stand in solidarity with her party members, many of whom have faced severe repression since her government was ousted. The Awami League, which Hasina has led for many years, has been banned from political activities, and many of its leaders are reportedly in hiding due to ongoing crackdowns by the current government.

Hasina's exile began amidst widespread protests against her government, which had lasted for over 20 years across multiple terms. The protests culminated in her fleeing the country in 2024, following a series of violent confrontations that led to significant loss of life. A United Nations report indicated that the crackdown on dissent during her final days in power resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,400 people, raising serious concerns about human rights violations under her administration.

Upon her return, Hasina plans to surrender to the authorities, a move that she believes will challenge the legitimacy of the charges against her. "I believe in justice and I feel that once proceedings start, it will be clear to the people how farcical the court is — and that I want to prove it," she stated. This assertion highlights her confidence in her political legacy and her belief that the judiciary in Bangladesh is not impartial, a sentiment echoed by many of her supporters.

The implications of Hasina’s return could be profound, not only for her party and supporters but also for the broader political environment in Bangladesh. The current government, which has sought to stabilize its position after two years of upheaval, may find itself facing renewed challenges should Hasina and her colleagues return. The political divisions in Bangladesh have deepened over the years, and her return could exacerbate these tensions, potentially leading to further unrest.

Moreover, Hasina's return might influence Bangladesh's diplomatic relations, particularly with India. The Indian government has provided her with refuge, and the relationship between the two countries has been strained since her exile. Bangladesh has repeatedly called on India to extradite Hasina, but as of now, the Indian government has been cautious in its response. In April, the Ministry of External Affairs in India stated that it was examining Bangladesh's request for extradition and expressed a desire to strengthen bilateral ties.

Hasina's commitment to returning to Bangladesh is also a reflection of her deep-rooted connection to the country, as she expressed a desire to die on her own soil, where her family is buried. This emotional attachment underscores her long-standing dedication to her political cause and the people of Bangladesh. Despite the risks, she believes that her return is essential, not only for her own legacy but also for the future of her party and the political rights of her supporters.

In her remarks, Hasina acknowledged the challenges faced by her party members, stating, "Cases have been filed against almost all of our leaders and workers, and many of them are in hiding." The situation for the Awami League has become increasingly precarious, as many members have been subjected to legal actions, arrests, and violence since her government was toppled. This environment of fear and repression raises questions about the state of democracy in Bangladesh and the ability of political parties to operate freely.

Furthermore, Hasina's past experiences with detention and political persecution have shaped her views on governance and accountability. She has been arrested multiple times throughout her career, particularly during periods of military rule and political instability. Her resilience in the face of adversity has become a hallmark of her political identity, and she has consistently advocated for the rights of her party and supporters, emphasizing that the judgment of her government should ultimately rest with the people.

As she prepares for her return, Hasina has been actively engaging with her party members through online meetings, aiming to reorganize the Awami League and maintain its relevance in the political arena. She has expressed her belief that the party should not be suspended despite her legal troubles, arguing that the decision to judge her and her government should lie with the electorate. "If we have done badly, let the people decide," she stated, reinforcing her commitment to democratic principles.

In conclusion, Sheikh Hasina's planned return to Bangladesh in December poses significant questions about the future of the Awami League, the state of democracy in the country, and the potential for renewed political conflict. Her journey back home could serve as a pivotal moment in Bangladesh's history, reflecting the ongoing struggle for political rights and justice in a nation that has seen both remarkable progress and profound challenges over the years. As the situation unfolds, the international community will be closely watching the developments in Bangladesh and the implications of Hasina's return on the broader political landscape.