Sheikh Hasina's Determination to Return to Bangladesh Amidst Risks

Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has announced her intention to return to her country in December, despite the risks of arrest or death. In a recent digital press conference, she emphasized her commitment to restoring democracy and development in Bangladesh. Hasina expressed concern over the current political climate and called for international support for her people's struggle for justice. Her return comes after a controversial verdict sentenced her to death in absentia, raising tensions between Bangladesh and India. This bold move highlights her dedication to her nation and its citizens amidst significant challenges.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 6, 2026, 07:57 IST

Sheikh Hasina's Bold Announcement

New Delhi, August 5 - Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, declared on Wednesday her firm intention to return to her homeland in December, aiming to steer the country back on the 'right path,' even if it means facing arrest or the death penalty. This statement was made during a digital press conference, marking her first public address since arriving in India on August 5, 2024.

During this virtual press briefing, only her voice was audible, and she was not visible to the reporters. Hasina expressed, 'I am aware that they could imprison me or take my life.'

'I will return home to be with my people,' she affirmed. The leader of the Awami League praised India for its unwavering support for Bangladesh, stating, 'India has always been a close friend of Bangladesh.' In her address, she highlighted the political climate in her country and the challenges faced by its citizens, emphasizing, 'My return is not for power, but to bring Bangladesh back to a path of development, secularism, and prosperity.'

While speaking to the media at the Foreign Correspondents Club, she remarked, 'Regardless of what fate has in store for me, I will return to be with my people. I cannot stay away when my beloved countrymen are suffering.' She added, 'I may be detained, imprisoned, or falsely accused, but fear cannot dictate my duty to the people.'

'My life is worth more than personal safety,' she stated. The former Prime Minister also dismissed any possibility of behind-the-scenes negotiations with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government regarding her return. 'I do not worry about my future; I am concerned about the future of Bangladesh.'

She expressed her desire to return, stating that the people deserve safety, development, prosperity, and peace. Despite being 'forced away' from her country, she insisted that she has never been 'separated' from her people. Hasina, 78, has been residing in India since leaving Dhaka. 'I have made my decision to go back to Bangladesh,' she confirmed.

Last November, a special tribunal in Dhaka sentenced Hasina to death in absentia for 'crimes against humanity' related to the government's actions during student-led protests in 2024. Following this verdict, Dhaka has been demanding her extradition from New Delhi.

Hasina described the current situation in Bangladesh as extremely alarming, stating, 'Fear has permeated homes, workplaces, and educational institutions. This is not the Bangladesh we built.'

She called upon the international community to stand with the people of Bangladesh in their struggle for democracy and justice. Hasina alleged that the protests in July and August 2024 were not peaceful student movements, claiming that organized groups turned them into violent political weapons. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, accused that political killings have been legitimized in Bangladesh since August 2024.

He stated that Bangladesh is now a failed state, lacking law and order. Joy warned that New Delhi should be most concerned that Bangladesh has become another Pakistan on India's eastern border.