Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Plans Return Amid Controversy
NEW DELHI — Sheikh Hasina, the exiled former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, announced on Wednesday her intention to return to Bangladesh from India in December, despite facing a death sentence for her role in a violent government crackdown on protesters in 2024.
In a recorded message delivered at an event in New Delhi, Hasina described her return as a duty to her people. She emphasized that, regardless of her conviction for crimes against humanity, she feels compelled to come back. “I know they might jail me or worse, but I still must go home. Fear cannot dictate my responsibilities toward the people,” she stated.
Hasina has been living in India since fleeing her position following a surge of student-led protests that ultimately led to her ousting in 2024. The subsequent crackdown on these protests was marred by violence, with reports indicating that around 1,400 individuals lost their lives. She maintains her innocence regarding these allegations.
Bangladesh’s government has made repeated requests for Hasina’s extradition, which India has not yet fulfilled. Hasina further called for the ban on her political party, the Awami League, to be lifted and urged for the release of political prisoners in the country.
In a separate event, Bangladesh’s current Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, inaugurated the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum in Dhaka, located in Hasina’s former official residence. This museum aims to commemorate the events of the 2024 uprising and includes various exhibits like audio-visual displays and personal artifacts from victims of the protests. Former Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus, who took office after Hasina’s ouster, was present for the museum’s opening.
The museum serves as a historical archive, documenting political repression during Hasina’s lengthy tenure. Rahman, who is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and a rival of Hasina, recently won an election held under Yunus’ interim government, further solidifying his political power.
The evolving political landscape in Bangladesh remains tense as Hasina prepares for her controversial return.
