Bangladesh has said it welcomes former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s reported plan to return to the country. The statement came after Hasina recently hinted in an interview that she may return to Bangladesh by the end of this year.
Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday, Zahed Ur Rahman, an adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tariq Rehman on information and strategy, said the government wants Hasina to return and face the legal process.
“Let her bring the best lawyers,” says adviser
Zahed Ur Rahman said the government wants justice to be served and that Hasina should face the court proceedings.
He added, “We welcome her announcement as we want to ensure justice.” He also said, “Let her bring the best lawyers in the world,” stressing that she would be given the opportunity to defend herself.
Rahman also claimed that many people in Bangladesh want the death sentence against Hasina to be carried out for the alleged crimes against humanity.
Why was Sheikh Hasina sentenced?
Sheikh Hasina, 78, was removed from power after student-led protests on August 5, 2024, and has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh.
In November 2025, a special tribunal in Dhaka sentenced her to death in absentia for alleged crimes against humanity linked to the government’s crackdown on the 2024 protests.
Hasina has rejected the verdict and described the charges and conviction as politically motivated.
India’s stand remains unchanged
Since the verdict, Bangladesh has been asking India to extradite Hasina. On Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s position has not changed. He added that any request for Hasina’s extradition is a legal matter and will be handled according to the law.
Zahed Ur Rahman also said procedural issues would not prevent Hasina from returning and that India and Bangladesh could coordinate on the matter.
Can the death sentence be changed?
Rahman said the proceedings at the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh (ICT-BD) would be transparent, with observers allowed to monitor the hearings and video coverage made available.
He also said the court could review, change, or even overturn the death sentence if it finds sufficient legal grounds. According to him, the government is not under pressure over Hasina’s possible return.
The ICT-BD, which was established in 2010 during Sheikh Hasina’s government, has seen some of its previous rulings stayed or overturned in the past.
First published on: Jul 14, 2026 09:08 PM IST
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