New Delhi: Despite knowing she could face arrest or even killed upon her return, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to return to Bangladesh, a decision that has drawn widespread attention and raised questions about her motives.
Hasina has been living in India since August 5, 2024, when she fled Bangladesh after anti-government protesters stormed and vandalised key government buildings in Dhaka, forcing her out from office.
Since then, relations between New Delhi and Dhaka have remained strained, particularly after Bangladesh sought Hasina's extradition. The Indian government has maintained that the request is "under examination."
According to reports, Hasina will address a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club in New Delhi on Wednesday (August 5), just ahead of her planned return to Bangladesh.
The press conference is being held ahead of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to India for the BRICS Summit, which is being hosted by New Delhi.
All eyes are on August 5, when Sheikh Hasina is expected to make her most significant public appearance since arriving in India. Her decision to return has generated intense interest, with many questioning why a leader facing multiple criminal cases would voluntarily go back to Bangladesh.
In an interview with AFP, Hasina said her decision is driven by a desire to face the legal process, stand by her Awami League supporters, and fulfil what she describes as her duty to the people of Bangladesh.
Notably, Hasina was sentenced to death by a Bangladesh court for crimes against humanity over her crackdown on student-led protests which led to her ousting.
She was found guilty of allowing lethal force to be used against protesters, 1,400 of whom died during the unrest last year. She described the verdict as “political vengeance dressed up as law”.
As of now her decision to return home has sparked widespread interest, with many questioning why a leader facing multiple criminal cases would willingly return.
In an interview with news agency AFP, Hasina said she was aware of the risks but insisted that her decision was driven by what she described as a call from her people.
“I may be killed. I may be arrested. I may be sent to prison,” Hasina, 78, said in an emailed response to questions by news agency AFP. “I am fully aware of my fate. Still, I want to go back because my people are calling me.”
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