Bangladesh has expressed strong objections to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s planned return to the country from exile in India, as she announced her intention to come back in December. The government in Dhaka criticized India for allowing Hasina to hold a press conference in New Delhi, which it called a violation of its sovereignty and a threat to bilateral relations (thehindu.com). Hasina, who fled Bangladesh in 2024 after a violent crackdown on protests that left nearly 1,400 people dead, has vowed to return despite facing a death sentence (npr.org).
Bangladesh has repeatedly requested the extradition of Hasina, but these appeals have gone unanswered. During her first public media appearance since fleeing the country, Hasina stated she plans to return in December, though it remains unclear whether her home country will accept her (thehindu.com). The Awami League leader’s decision has sparked protests in Bangladesh, with officials warning that her presence in India undermines national interests (aljazeera.com).
The situation has also drawn attention to the political tensions between Bangladesh and India. Hasina’s presence in India has been seen as a challenge to Bangladesh’s authority, with some fearing it could destabilize the region. Meanwhile, her supporters, including former cricket captain Shakib Al Hasan, have faced backlash for backing her, with his home attacked after he joined her media event (dawn.com).
The government’s stance remains firm, with officials emphasizing that Hasina’s return is not a certainty and that her legal status remains unresolved. As the December deadline approaches, the political and diplomatic implications of her potential return continue to unfold.
