New Delhi (HRNW)- Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced that she is determined to return to Bangladesh by December this year, despite what she described as serious threats to her life. She said she is aware of the risks of arrest, imprisonment, or even assassination but wants to return in response to the wishes of the Bangladeshi people.
According to the foreign news agency AFP, the 78-year-old former prime minister said in a written statement that she fully understands the possible consequences of returning to Bangladesh but believes it is her duty to answer the call of her people.
Sheikh Hasina was removed from power in August 2024 following a student-led anti-government movement. During the unrest, she was flown to India by helicopter, while protesters stormed her official residence.
According to the United Nations, nearly 1,400 people were killed during the government’s crackdown on anti-government demonstrations.
In November 2025, a court in Dhaka convicted Sheikh Hasina of crimes against humanity and sentenced her to death. The former prime minister rejected the verdict, describing it as “political revenge in the guise of law.”
According to the report, Sheikh Hasina is currently living at an undisclosed location in India. She said she is being treated with dignity and respect by Indian authorities and that no discussions regarding her extradition have taken place.
She clarified that her decision to return to Bangladesh is entirely personal and is not linked to diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, the current Bangladeshi government has stated that if Sheikh Hasina returns, she will receive a fair trial in accordance with the country’s laws.
Human rights organizations have previously accused Sheikh Hasina’s former government of suppressing political opponents, committing human rights violations, electoral irregularities, and influencing the judiciary. Sheikh Hasina and her party have consistently denied those allegations.
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