Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to face immediate imprisonment if she returns to Bangladesh from self-imposed exile in India, according to a senior government official. The statement comes after the former leader announced plans to return to the country in December and surrender before the court.
Sheikh Hasina has been living in New Delhi since August 2024 after leaving Bangladesh during a period of political unrest. She was later sentenced to death in absentia by Bangladesh’s war-crimes court in November.
The conviction is linked to allegations that she ordered a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising in 2024. According to a United Nations report, around 1,400 people were killed during the violence. Hasina has consistently denied the allegations against her.
Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed Islam, said the former prime minister would be arrested if she returned. Speaking to reporters, the minister stated that Sheikh Hasina is a convicted individual under Bangladesh’s legal system and would be taken into custody immediately upon surrender.
The minister added that further legal proceedings would continue in accordance with the country’s laws. Officials stressed that the government would follow the judicial process and apply the law equally.
The government also claimed that Hasina’s recent public remarks were aimed at organising and encouraging members of her banned political party. Authorities said the party was outlawed following the 2024 popular uprising that led to major political changes in Bangladesh.
Last week, Hasina gave her first interview since leaving the country. During the interview, she announced that she planned to return to Bangladesh in December along with several exiled party leaders and supporters.
She said many members of her political party are facing legal cases and remain in hiding. According to Hasina, she wants to return voluntarily and surrender before the court together with her colleagues.
Bangladesh is currently led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s administration, which took office in February after national elections. The new government has said it is committed to strengthening the country’s institutions and ensuring legal accountability.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite Sheikh Hasina so she can face legal proceedings at home. Indian authorities responded earlier this year by confirming that the extradition request is under review. New Delhi also said it hopes to maintain constructive engagement with Bangladesh’s current government while examining the matter.
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The latest developments have drawn international attention because of their potential impact on Bangladesh’s political landscape and relations with India. Whether Sheikh Hasina returns voluntarily in December or remains in exile, the case is expected to remain one of the country’s most closely watched legal and political developments in the months ahead.
