Sheikh Hasina, the 78-year-old former prime minister of Bangladesh, publicly vowed on June 28-29, 2026, to return to Bangladesh despite a death sentence against her [1, 2, 3]. Hasina fled the country in August 2024 after a student-led uprising toppled her government and sought refuge in India [1, 2, 3].
In November 2025, a Dhaka court sentenced Hasina to death in absentia. The court found her guilty of inciting violence, ordering killings, and failing to prevent atrocities during the unrest that toppled her administration [1, 2, 3]. Hasina rejected the verdict as "illegal, unconstitutional and politically motivated," saying it was political revenge to eliminate her Awami League party’s leadership [1, 2, 3].
She told reporters she does not fear death and declared, "overcoming every obstacle and every conspiracy, I will return to my country this year" [1, 3]. Hasina said her return aims to restore political rights, democracy, rule of law, and uphold the legacy of Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War, rather than personal ambition [1].
Since fleeing, Hasina has made few public appearances but gave a rare speech in January 2026 at a press club in New Delhi [3]. She emphasized that the Awami League is a deeply rooted political force in Bengal’s history and people [1].
The Awami League remains banned from political activities by the current government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who took office after a landslide election victory in February 2026 [1, 3]. The government defends the legal proceedings against Hasina as efforts to hold her accountable for crimes during the final months of her administration [1]. Hasina has called for lifting the ban on her party, dropping false cases, and releasing political prisoners [1].
Bangladesh has a population of approximately 170 million people [3].
Hasina’s vow signals her intention to return despite the risks posed by the death sentence and ongoing political tension. The timing and manner of her return remain uncertain as the year progresses.
