Exiled PM Sheikh Hasina vows return to Bangladesh

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Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has vowed to return to her country in December, despite being sentenced to death for crimes against humanity. Speaking on the second anniversary of the uprising that toppled her, Hasina said she is prepared to face arrest, imprisonment, or death but cannot remain away from her people.

Hasina fled Bangladesh in August 2024 by helicopter during a student-led uprising that ended her 15-year rule. She has remained in exile in India since then. In November, the International Crimes Tribunal found her guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced her to death in absentia for ordering a crackdown on protesters in 2024.

First Public Address

Hasina's remarks came in an audio message played at an event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia in New Delhi. It was her first public address since fleeing the country, as reported by ABC Australia and The Guardian. She was expected to appear via video but only an audio message was played, but no reason was given for the discrepancy.

"I know that they may put me in jail, or they may kill me, anything may happen, but I still have to go back," Hasina said, as reported by The Guardian. "Fear cannot decide my duty to the people." She said she would share the exact date of her return and other details at a later time.

The event was also attended, virtually, by her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who said she was being treated well in exile. "She is staying with the full services and security of a head of state," he told the news conference, as reported by The Guardian. India officially distanced itself from the event, saying it had no role in organizing it and did not endorse the views expressed.

Background and Charges

Hasina's flight ended more than 15 years of Awami League rule, which the Bangladeshi Nationalist Party, led by Tarique Rahman, succeeded earlier this year. The government has said Hasina would probably be arrested as soon as she set foot in Bangladesh.

Hasina faces multiple criminal cases, including allegations of murder, attempted murder, and abduction, as detailed by ABC Australia. In addition to the death sentence, she denies all charges and has described the verdict as politically motivated. The United Nations estimated that up to 1,400 people were killed during the 2024 protests, with most deaths caused by gunfire from security forces, as reported by the BBC and Al Jazeera. Hasina alleged, in her address, that several organizations had turned the student protests into a "violent movement," but she did not provide evidence. She has always rejected the charges as politically motivated.

India's Diplomatic Tightrope

India has been walking a political tightrope over Hasina, who was one of its closest regional allies. Bangladesh has repeatedly sought her extradition, but India said it had received the request and was reviewing it, according to Al Jazeera. Ties between the two countries have deteriorated sharply since her downfall, and India has been trying to repair relations; the latest development was Dhaka's repeated attempts to have her extradited, while India says it is under review.

Awami League Ban

Before the address, Hasina said the ban on her Awami League party should be lifted, as reported by The Hindu. The Awami League had been banned from politics in Bangladesh, as part of her ouster. The Hindu also noted that she reiterated her intention to return.

Hasina's announcement comes as Bangladesh's current government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has expressed "outrage" over New Delhi allowing the event, warning it could further strain diplomatic ties, as reported by Al Jazeera. Meanwhile, protesters in Dhaka burned her effigy.

Perspectives

Sheikh Hasina: Hasina insists the charges against her are politically motivated and says she cannot remain away from her supporters. "I know I may be detained, I may be sent to prison," she said, "They may try to enforce verdicts issued in fabricated cases. Fear cannot decide my duty to the people."

Government of Bangladesh: The government has expressed anger over the event in New Delhi and has warned it could further strain ties. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's government says Hasina would probably be arrested immediately upon her arrival meeting any return to Bangladesh.

India: India officially distanced itself from the news conference., saying it had no role in organizing it and does not endorse the views expressed. While it continues to host Hasina, India has said it is reviewing Bangladesh's extradition request.