Exiled Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Says She Will Return Despite Death Sentence

Bangladesh’s former prime minister Sheikh Hasina said she will return to the country by December, despite a death sentence issued by the nation’s international crimes tribunal. Speaking via audio link at a news conference in Delhi, Hasina declared, "Whatever fate awaits me, I will return to my people." She added that she is prepared for any outcome, including imprisonment or death.

Hasina, 78, has been living under security protection in India since fleeing Dhaka after a student-led uprising toppled her government two years ago. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, told the conference that his mother is receiving full state services and security in exile and expressed gratitude to the Indian government for its respect.

India officially distanced itself from the event, stating it did not organize the conference nor endorse the political views expressed. Diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh have been strained since Hasina’s removal, with India seeking to improve ties while resisting calls for her extradition.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by Tarique Rahman, won earlier this year in an election that barred the Awami League. The new government has warned that Hasina could be arrested upon arrival. The tribunal’s death sentence relates to alleged crimes against humanity during the 2024 protests that began over government-job quotas and expanded into a broader anti-government movement. Estimates of protest-related deaths range from 800 to 1,400.

Hasina rejected the verdict as politically motivated and called for the lifting of bans on the Awami League, release of political prisoners, and dismissal of cases she describes as false. The current administration cites high inflation and sluggish growth, attributing many problems to alleged corruption during Hasina’s tenure.