Ousted Bangladeshi leader vows to return from exile despite facing a death sentence
Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced her intention to return to Bangladesh despite facing a death sentence. She maintains her innocence regarding the violent crackdown that led to her exile, while critics and academics argue her government was responsible for state-led violence.
Why it matters
The potential return of a former leader facing capital punishment creates significant geopolitical instability and highlights ongoing human rights concerns in Bangladesh.
Ousted Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina said she plans to return to her country despite being sentenced to death by a court there during her two-year exile.
In her first public address since fleeing to India after a violent crackdown on a youth-led uprising in 2024, she said: "Whatever fate awaits me, I will return to my people."
Hasina added: "I may be detained, I may be sent to prison, they may try to enforce verdicts issued in fabricated cases, but fear cannot decide my duty to the people."
The 78-year-old, who served five terms as Bangladesh's prime minister, made the announcement in an audio address at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia in New Delhi on Wednesday. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, also joined via video link from Washington, D.C.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in