New Delhi: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced that she intends to return to Bangladesh in December, despite acknowledging that she could face arrest, imprisonment, or other legal consequences upon her arrival. The announcement came during her first public media interaction since leaving office in 2024.
Return Planned for December
Addressing journalists, Hasina said she has already decided to return to Bangladesh later this year and that the exact date will be announced at an appropriate time. She emphasized that her decision is driven by a sense of duty to the people rather than political ambition.
“Whatever fate awaits me, I will return to my people. I know I may be detained or sent to prison, but fear cannot decide my duty to the people,” Hasina said.
“My Return Is Not About Power”
The former Prime Minister clarified that her planned return is not aimed at reclaiming power, but at contributing to Bangladesh’s future.
According to Hasina, the country deserves peace, development, security, and democratic governance. She said she wants to help restore Bangladesh’s path of progress, stability, and secular values.
Faces Legal Challenges
Hasina’s announcement comes despite significant legal challenges in Bangladesh. She has been sentenced in absentia in a case related to the 2024 unrest and continues to face multiple legal proceedings, all of which she has rejected as politically motivated. Bangladesh has also sought her extradition from India, while New Delhi has stated the matter remains under legal consideration.
Calls for Political Reconciliation
During her address, Hasina also called for the ban on her party, the Awami League, to be lifted and urged the restoration of democratic rights and political participation in Bangladesh. She said the country’s future should be determined through constitutional and democratic processes.
What Happens Next?
Although Sheikh Hasina has confirmed that she plans to return in December, she has not announced a specific date. Her return is expected to be closely watched by political observers in Bangladesh, India, and the wider South Asian region, given its potential impact on the country’s political landscape.
