KATHMANDU: Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has vowed to return to her country “this year,” despite being sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity and remaining in self-imposed exile in India.
In an interview with Indian broadcaster NDTV published on Sunday, the 78-year-old leader rejected the verdict against her, describing it as “part of an illegal, unconstitutional and politically motivated process.”
Hasina fled to neighbouring India in August 2024 after a student-led uprising ended her 15-year rule. Since leaving Bangladesh, she has largely remained out of public view, apart from a speech delivered at a press club in New Delhi earlier this year.
Responding to a question about whether she would return despite facing the death penalty, Hasina said she was not afraid.
“Many conspiracies have been hatched against me. But breaking through every web of conspiracy… I was elected prime minister five times by the people’s vote and worked for the country’s unprecedented development,” she said.
“I want to say clearly: overcoming every obstacle and every conspiracy, I will return to my country this year,” she added.
Last November, a court in Dhaka convicted Hasina in absentia of incitement, ordering killings and failing to prevent atrocities during her time in office. She was sentenced to death by hanging.
Bangladesh has also outlawed the activities of Hasina’s former ruling Awami League, once one of the country’s most influential political parties.
Relations between India and Bangladesh have improved since Prime Minister Tarique Rahman secured a landslide election victory in February. However, Dhaka has continued to press New Delhi to extradite Hasina to face the court verdict.
Hasina’s latest remarks signal her intention to return to Bangladesh despite the legal and political challenges awaiting her.
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