Sheikh Hasina vows to return to Bangladesh 'this year' despite death sentence

Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh's fugitive former prime minister, has vowed to return to Dhaka "this year" despite being sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity. The 78-year-old made the pledge in an interview with Indian broadcaster NDTV published on Sunday, months after fleeing to India following a student-led uprising.

Is Sheikh Hasina coming back to Bangladesh?

Hasina says she will return to Bangladesh this year, having previously declined to appear in public since fleeing in August 2024. She dismissed her death sentence as part of a politically motivated process and said she had overcome conspiracies throughout her career. She gave no specific date or conditions for her return.

Why did Sheikh Hasina flee Bangladesh?

Hasina fled to neighboring India in August 2024 after a student-led uprising ended her 15-year rule. She has not been seen in public since, except for a rare speech broadcast to a packed press club in New Delhi in January 2025.

In the NDTV interview, Hasina said she was not afraid of death and rejected the verdict against her. "The verdict against me was part of an illegal, unconstitutional and politically motivated process," she said.

What was Sheikh Hasina convicted of?

Last November, a Dhaka court found Hasina guilty of incitement, ordering killings, and failing to prevent atrocities during the uprising that toppled her government. She was sentenced to death by hanging. The activities of her former ruling Awami League, once one of Bangladesh's most popular parties, have since been outlawed.

What has Hasina said about returning despite the death penalty?

Hasina invoked her record as a five-time elected prime minister when addressing the prospect of returning. "Overcoming every obstacle and every conspiracy, I will return to my country this year," she said directly in response to a question about the death penalty verdict. She also cited what she described as the country's unprecedented development under her leadership.

What is the current state of India-Bangladesh relations?

Ties between India and Bangladesh have improved since Prime Minister Tarique Rahman won a landslide election victory in February. Bangladesh, a South Asian nation of 170 million people, has repeatedly demanded India extradite Hasina to face trial. Frictions over that demand continue to strain the relationship despite broader diplomatic progress.