NEW DELHI/DHAKA, — Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for the ban on her Awami League party to be lifted and reaffirmed her determination to return to Bangladesh later this year despite the legal and political challenges awaiting her.
Speaking during a media interaction organized by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi, Hasina said she remains committed to returning to her country even though she could face imprisonment or death.
“I will return to my people,” she said, adding that she would announce the exact date of her return when the appropriate time arrives.
Hasina stated that she understands the risks involved.
“They may imprison me or even kill me, but I still have to return,” she said.
First Public Media Interaction Since Leaving Bangladesh
The event marked Hasina’s first media interaction since she left Bangladesh following her removal from power in 2024.
Although organizers had expected her to appear via video link, she delivered only an audio address behind a blank screen. No official explanation was provided for the change. Several Awami League leaders and her son addressed the audience separately.
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Last month, Hasina told Reuters that she intends to return to Bangladesh before the end of the year and surrender to the authorities.
Political and Legal Challenges
Hasina fled Dhaka after mass protests ended her two decades in power across multiple terms as prime minister.
In November 2025, Bangladesh’s war crimes tribunal sentenced her to death in absentia over allegations linked to a deadly crackdown during the student-led uprising.
She has consistently rejected the charges, describing the investigations and court rulings as politically motivated and fabricated.
Media Restrictions in Bangladesh
Ahead of Hasina’s remarks, the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reminded local media that publishing or broadcasting her statements would violate an existing court order issued in 2024.
As a result, Bangladeshi television channels and newspapers did not broadcast or report the event. However, the speech circulated widely across social media platforms, where users shared clips and discussed her comments.
Protests Continue in Dhaka
While Hasina addressed the audience in New Delhi, demonstrators in Dhaka burned her effigy during protests marking the second anniversary of her removal from office.
Hasina argued that the demonstrations which led to her ouster began as protests over public-sector job quotas but later transformed into an organized campaign aimed at overthrowing her government.
She also claimed Bangladesh’s economy has weakened significantly since her departure.
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According to Hasina, economic growth has slowed, investment has declined, employment opportunities have decreased, and millions of people have become unemployed.
The current government has declared August 5 a national public holiday to commemorate those killed during the 2024 student-led movement.
Officials have not immediately responded to Hasina’s latest remarks.
India Yet to Decide on Extradition Request
Bangladesh has repeatedly requested India to extradite Hasina.
New Delhi has acknowledged receiving the request and says the matter remains under review.
Diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh have remained strained since Hasina’s removal, although both governments have recently signaled interest in improving bilateral ties.
Political observers say Hasina’s latest statements and her declared intention to return could influence both domestic politics and regional diplomacy in the months ahead.
