Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Announces Return Despite Death Sentence

First Published 3 hours ago

2 Updates by 2 sources

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has announced her intention to return to the country this year, despite being sentenced to death in absentia a few months ago for crimes against humanity.

The 78-year-old leader fled to neighbouring India in August 2024 after a student-led movement brought an end to her 15-year rule. In an interview with an Indian broadcaster, Hasina stated she is not afraid of death and described the verdict against her as an “illegal, unconstitutional, and political decision.”

She claimed that despite numerous conspiracies against her, she was elected prime minister five times by the people’s vote and worked for the nation’s development. “I want to state clearly that I will overcome every obstacle and every conspiracy and return to my country this year,” she said.

In November of the previous year, a court in Dhaka found Hasina guilty of incitement, ordering killings, and failing to prevent atrocities, leading to the death sentence. Her former ruling party, the Awami League, has since been banned.

Tensions between Bangladesh and India persist, as Dhaka has repeatedly demanded Hasina’s extradition. Relations between the two countries had reportedly improved following the election victory of Prime Minister Tariq Rehman in February.

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