Bangladesh Welcomes Sheikh Hasina Return Plan
Bangladesh’s elected government has said it welcomes former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s plan to return from India, arguing that her presence would allow pending legal proceedings to move forward. Hasina has indicated that she and senior Awami League colleagues intend to return around December and surrender to the authorities.
Bangladesh Responds to Hasina Return Plan
Zahed Ur Rahman, an adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, said Hasina could bring leading international lawyers to defend herself before Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal.
He said the proceedings would be transparent and could be observed and broadcast. Rahman also acknowledged that the tribunal could revise the existing verdict or acquit Hasina after considering her defence, although he said the government expected the judicial process to continue without political pressure.
Sheikh Hasina Faces Death Sentence
Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia in November 2025 after being convicted of crimes against humanity linked to the deadly crackdown on student-led protests in 2024.
She has rejected the conviction and related charges as politically motivated. Hasina has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh in August 2024 following the collapse of her government.
Bangladesh has repeatedly sought her extradition, while Hasina has said her planned return would be voluntary and aimed at reviving the Awami League’s political activities.
India Maintains Position on Extradition
India has responded cautiously to the proposed return. The Ministry of External Affairs said its approach remains unchanged and that any extradition request would be handled as a legal matter.
Relations between India and Bangladesh deteriorated during the interim administration that followed Hasina’s removal. Diplomatic engagement has since resumed after Tarique Rahman became prime minister following Bangladesh’s 2026 general election.
