Sheikh Hasina Says She Will Return to Bangladesh in December

Hasina has been living in exile in India since August 2024, after the army chief advised her to leave due to weeks of violent protests that had a significant support of Islamist factions, turning into a security concern.

Exile Leader Sheikh Hasina Cites Threats To Life

In a near one-hour-long telephone interview with Reuters, Hasina revealed that she, alongside other prominent Awami League leaders, had plans to be in Bangladesh around December and turn themselves in to the courts.

“They may arrest me on my return, they may even kill me. Still, I have to go. My party leaders and workers are being subjected to tremendous repression. If death comes, I want it to come on my own soil, where my parents are buried and where their blood was shed," she said.

Her announcement to Reuters marks the first time Hasina provided a specific timeframe for her return, and importantly, disclosed that other senior party members would accompany her and surrender. 

Student Protests Ended Hasina's Rule

Hasina was compelled to leave Bangladesh in August 2024 following a massive student uprising that terminated her two decades as prime minister spanning across several terms. She was subsequently granted refuge in India by the government in New Delhi, a move that notably soured relations between the two nations.

Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal later imposed a death sentence on Hasina in absentia in November 2025 for her role in the crackdown on anti-government protests, a charge she consistently refuted.

India Reviews Bangladesh Extradition Request

India's Ministry of External Affairs has indicated that it is reviewing the extradition request from Bangladesh, while emphasizing the need for productive engagement with the authorities in Dhaka.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "The request is being examined as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes. We will continue to engage constructively on the issue with all stakeholders... I would like to emphasise that the External Affairs Minister reiterated India's desire to engage constructively with the new government and further strengthen bilateral ties," in April.

"Both sides agreed to explore proposals to deepen the partnership through relevant bilateral mechanisms. Follow-up official meetings are expected soon, and views were also exchanged on regional and global issues of mutual interest," he added.

Return May Reshape Bangladesh Political Landscape

Her potential return could intensify the political landscape in Bangladesh as the government aims to establish stability after two years of turmoil. Conversely, it may help mend the strained relations with India, which deteriorated considerably following New Delhi’s decision to provide refuge to Hasina.

Sheikh Hasina became a towering political figure in Bangladesh for half a century after being thrust into the public eye after her father, a leader in the nation’s independence, and many family members, were assassinated in a military coup. 

The student protests of 2024 put an end to her 20-year tenure as prime minister. An interim government was formed by protesters, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, which then instituted war crimes tribunals and sentenced her to death in absentia for ordering the violent suppression of a student uprising. Hasina, meanwhile, denies all allegations from her exile in India.