Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed her determination to return to her home country by December, despite the risks of arrest, imprisonment, or even death.
In an email interview, the 78-year-old Hasina stated that she is fully aware of the potential dangers but remains resolute in her decision to return home. She emphasized that she is prepared to face any consequences, including the possibility of being jailed or killed.
Hasina’s 15-year rule came to an end in August 2024, following a student-led movement that led to her ouster. She fled to India by helicopter and has been living in exile since then. According to the United Nations, nearly 1,400 people were killed during the government’s crackdown on the protests.
In November, a court in Dhaka sentenced Hasina to death on charges of crimes against humanity. Hasina has denounced the verdict as a politically motivated act of revenge.
Despite the risks, Hasina maintains that she will return to Bangladesh, citing the constant demands from her supporters to do so. She has also denied any external pressure to return, stating that her decision is not related to Dhaka’s request for her extradition to Bangladesh.
Indian officials have reportedly not discussed extradition with Hasina, and she claims to be living in India with dignity. The relationship between India and Bangladesh, which had been strained since Hasina’s departure, has begun to normalize since Tariq Rahman became prime minister in February.
Human rights organizations have accused Hasina’s government of suppressing the opposition, extrajudicial killings, political interference, and holding disputed elections. Hasina has dismissed these allegations as a politically motivated campaign, claiming that each accusation was investigated and those found guilty were brought to justice.
She has also denied allegations of excessive force being used to quell the student protests, stating that her government had attempted to resolve the situation peacefully. Hasina described the protests as a pre-planned political campaign rather than a ordinary student demonstration.
When asked about the recent student-led protests in India, Hasina declined to comment. She also refused to clarify whether she would resume active politics through her Awami League party, which has been effectively banned in Bangladesh, after her return.
Hasina emphasized that her goal is to serve the people, not to regain power. While expressing sympathy for the families of those who lost their lives during the protests, she refused to apologize for her government’s actions.
When questioned about whether she regretted the decisions made by her government during the protests, Hasina replied that it was not possible to evaluate the situation in isolation, as state decisions are not made by individuals alone.
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