Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced that she plans to return to Bangladesh in December despite being sentenced to death by a war-crimes court. Speaking to Reuters, the 78-year-old leader said she is ready to surrender and face the legal process, even if it means arrest or death.
Hasina, who has been living in exile since she was removed from power in 2024, said she and senior leaders of her party, the Awami League, will return voluntarily and present themselves before the court. The Awami League has been banned in Bangladesh following the political crisis that led to her removal.
Hasina was forced out of office after weeks of student-led protests swept across Bangladesh in 2024. The demonstrations turned into one of the country’s biggest political crises, ending her long rule. She had served as Bangladesh’s prime minister for nearly 20 years across multiple terms.
In November, Bangladesh’s war-crimes court sentenced Hasina to death over allegations that she ordered a violent crackdown on the student protests. She has strongly denied all the charges against her.
Why does Sheikh Hasina want to return despite the death sentence?
Hasina said she understands the risks involved in returning to Bangladesh but believes she must stand with her party and supporters.
“They may arrest me on my return, they may even kill me. Still, I have to go,” she told Reuters.
She added that many Awami League leaders and workers have faced arrests, legal cases and attacks since her government was removed. According to Hasina, if she dies, she wants it to happen in her own country, where her parents are buried.
What did Hasina say about the charges against her?
The former prime minister said she has not informed the Bangladesh government about her return plans. She also said she is not afraid of being jailed because she has been imprisoned before.
Hasina admitted that governments can make mistakes but said it is the people who should decide whether a government deserves to stay in power.
First published on: Jul 10, 2026 02:52 PM IST
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Shivam Verma
Shivam Verma is a Chief-Sub-Editor at News24. A postgraduate diploma holder in Integrated Journalism from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, Shivam focuses on international affairs, diplomacy, defence, and politics. Beyond the newsroom, he is passionate about football, both playing and watching, and enjoys travelling to explore new places and cuisines.
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