Bangladesh’s former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has declared that she intends to return to her country by December, even though she acknowledges the possibility of being killed, arrested or jailed upon arrival. In an interview, the 78‑year‑old leader said she is fully aware of the risks but feels compelled to go back because “my people are calling me.”
Hasina has been living in India since August 2024, when she fled by helicopter after a mass uprising ended her 15‑year rule. The United Nations later reported that up to 1,400 people were killed during the crackdown on protesters as her government attempted to retain power. Since her ouster, Bangladesh has launched multiple investigations into alleged human rights violations, extrajudicial killings and abuses committed during her tenure.
Legal pressure on Hasina has intensified in recent weeks. Just a day before her latest remarks, Bangladesh detained a serving army brigadier general over the alleged extrajudicial killing of local politician Akramul Haque during the government’s 2018 anti‑drugs campaign. The case is part of a broader probe accepted by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), which names 11 individuals, including Hasina, a former police chief, and several serving and retired military officers.
Hasina insists the charges are politically motivated, but investigators have submitted detailed reports outlining alleged involvement of senior officials in unlawful killings and abuses. Her return could trigger a major political confrontation, especially as Bangladesh remains volatile following the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin, who stepped down amid speculation over his communication with Hasina.
As December approaches, analysts say Hasina’s decision could reshape Bangladesh’s political landscape, either reigniting unrest or forcing a reckoning over past state violence.