Speaking virtually at an event hosted by the Centre for US-Bangladesh Relations in Washington, Sheikh Hasina said she is not afraid. She said she knows she could be killed, arrested or tortured, but that it is her responsibility to go. She added that she doesn’t care how risky it is.
No Confirmed Date
Hasina named December but gave no specific day or travel plan. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, later said no date has been fixed. He said an announcement would be made closer to the time.
Why December Matters
December is symbolic in Bangladesh as the month of Victory Day, which marks the 1971 independence. Hasina has earlier linked a possible return to this month. She first announced the plan in interviews in July. She also told Reuters that she and senior Awami League colleagues intended to return around December and surrender before the courts.
A Pattern of Returning
She recalled returning in 1981 after years abroad following the 1975 assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and other family members. She also pointed to her return during the 2007 emergency, when she faced criminal allegations.
The Legal and Political Backdrop
Hasina left Bangladesh in August 2024 after a student-led uprising ended her government. She has since been staying in India. Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal sentenced her to death in absentia for crimes against humanity over the crackdown on the 2024 protests. Dhaka has sought her extradition, and New Delhi is still examining the request through judicial processes.
What to Watch
- Whether Dhaka announces any arrest or security response.
- Whether India clarifies its position on her presence and travel.
- Whether the Awami League announces a date, route or political programme.
- Any official reaction on extradition and legal proceedings.
Discover the latest update related to Sheikh Hasina
Is Sheikh Hasina planning to return to Bangladesh in December 2026?
Sheikh Hasina’s possible return to Bangladesh has raised questions about the legal and political challenges she could face. Read more about the reported December 2026 return plans and the legal hurdles in this Bangla Pulse report on Sheikh Hasina’s return plans.
What could happen if Sheikh Hasina returns to Bangladesh?
Her return could raise legal questions involving ongoing proceedings, court orders and the cases filed against her. The possible consequences would depend on the applicable legal procedures and decisions by the relevant authorities. Explore this report on what could happen if Sheikh Hasina returns home.
Why is Sheikh Hasina’s extradition from India back in focus?
The question of Sheikh Hasina’s extradition has drawn attention to Bangladesh-India relations, diplomatic discussions and the legal arrangements governing extradition. Read this report on the meeting and India’s position on Sheikh Hasina’s extradition for further details.
Can India extradite Sheikh Hasina under the 2013 extradition treaty with Bangladesh?
The 2013 India-Bangladesh extradition treaty provides a legal framework for extradition requests, subject to its provisions and applicable procedures. Whether Sheikh Hasina would be extradited depends on the treaty’s application, relevant legal considerations and the decisions of the authorities involved. Read more in this analysis of the extradition treaty and diplomatic pressure.
What is the latest reported development in Sheikh Hasina’s death sentence case?
The death sentence case involving Sheikh Hasina has attracted significant attention because of its legal and political implications for Bangladesh. For details on the reported verdict and subsequent developments, read the latest updates on Sheikh Hasina’s death sentence.
