06 - 08 - 2026

Hasina announces return despite death penalty threat, vows to face jail

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday announced that she would return to Bangladesh in December.

Despite facing hundreds of criminal cases and the possibility of a death sentence, she stated her readiness to face imprisonment or even death in her bid to restore democracy and constitutional order in the country. In a nearly hour-long address delivered via video link from India, where she has been staying since being ousted amid last year’s political upheaval, Hasina alleged that the student-led agitation that forced her from power was not a spontaneous protest but a “meticulously designed” conspiracy to bring about a regime change through organised violence and propaganda.

“I know I may face anything. I may be detained, I may be sent to prison… but I have to go back because Bangladesh needs reconciliation, constitutional democracy and justice,” Hasina said, adding that she intended to return in December regardless of the consequences.

The Awami League president said fear could not determine her duty towards the people and insisted that her return was “not about power” but about putting Bangladesh “back on the right track” by reviving democracy, development, secularism and stability.

“I will return to my people. They deserve security, prosperity, peace and a democracy that gives them rights,” she said.

Hasina alleged that the quota reform movement of 2024 had been hijacked by well-organised groups that used students as a cover to launch violent attacks on state institutions.

She claimed that after July 15, 2024, police stations, government offices, Bangladesh Television, metro rail facilities, hospitals, research centres, businesses, media houses and Awami League offices were attacked or set ablaze, while police personnel and ruling party workers were killed. She questioned whether any government could remain passive when public infrastructure and law enforcement agencies came under attack.

The former prime minister said her government had constituted a judicial commission to investigate every death and incident of violence during the unrest but alleged that Bangladesh’s interim administration later halted the inquiry.

“If they truly wanted justice, why did they stop the inquiry? They did not want justice; they wanted power,” she said.

Hasina also accused the interim government of carrying out widespread political persecution after taking office, alleging that thousands of Awami League leaders and workers had been killed or disappeared, hundreds of thousands arrested and thousands of criminal cases filed against party members.

She claimed that over 600 cases had been registered against her personally and alleged that women activists and party workers had faced torture and abuse in custody.

Accusing the authorities of trying to erase Bangladesh’s liberation war legacy, Hasina alleged that memorials associated with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had been demolished and symbols of the country’s independence destroyed. She also claimed convicted war criminals and militants had been released after the change in government.

Turning to the economy, Hasina alleged that Bangladesh had suffered a sharp decline since her removal from office, claiming GDP growth had slowed, industrial production had contracted, poverty had increased, investment had turned negative and unemployment had risen dramatically.

She contrasted the situation with what she described as the achievements of her government, citing projects such as the Padma Bridge, Metro Rail, Karnaphuli Tunnel, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and Bangabandhu Satellite, while asserting that Bangladesh had maintained robust economic growth during her tenure.

Responding to questions after her address, Hasina reiterated that she would return to Bangladesh in December even though she expected to face legal action upon arrival.

“I know I may face anything, but Bangladesh needs reconciliation… I believe in democracy and therefore I want to go back,” she said.

Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who also addressed the press conference, said there had been no communication with Bangladesh’s current government regarding Hasina’s proposed return and that she had taken the decision independently.

He said the Indian government had treated Hasina “like a head of state” during her stay in India and expressed gratitude to New Delhi for extending her full security and respect.

Asked whether she would seek mediation or assurances before returning, Hasina said India had always stood by Bangladesh as a friend but maintained that her decision to return was for the people of Bangladesh and not dependent on any government.

India’s cautious approach

India’s business interest in Bangladesh has remained substantial but more cautious since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August 2024, as New Delhi balances economic stakes with a more uncertain political environment. During Hasina’s tenure, Indian firms were encouraged to invest in energy, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and IT, and bilateral trade reached about $12–13 billion, with India exporting roughly $11 billion annually and importing around $1.8–2 billion.

After her resignation, Indian investors faced heightened political and policy risk, including payment delays in power projects (with Bangladesh owing over $1 billion to some Indian generators), scrutiny of earlier India‑favoured deals, and the cancellation or delay of flagship projects such as the proposed Indian economic zone near Mongla Port, which was later reassigned to Chinese developers. At the same time, core economic linkages have proved resilient.

Bangladesh still imports about $9 billion of goods from India each year, sectors like garments, footwear, and fish exports to India have grown, and energy cooperation (including diesel supplies via the friendship pipeline) has continued even through periods of diplomatic strain. Overall, India’s post‑Hasina approach is to protect existing investments, push for stable trade and payment mechanisms, and selectively pursue new opportunities in energy, connectivity, and manufacturing while managing greater political and reputational risk.