Deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, currently facing a death sentence for crimes against humanity, is preparing to return home and face court proceedings, senior Awami League leaders revealed on Friday following direct meetings with the embattled party chief.
Multiple leaders, who connected with Hasina both in person and virtually, confirmed to TIMES of Bangladesh that activists have already been mobilised to get ready for her arrival. The move marks a dramatic gambit by the exiled leader to confront the charges head-on rather than remain in exile.
However, political analysts view these developments as a “political stunt” rather than an imminent reality. They argue that the statements are designed to keep party activists mobilised and alert at a time when Awami League is under intense pressure.
The International Crimes Tribunal has already sentenced Hasina to death in a case involving crimes against humanity and genocide linked to the July-August 2024 uprising that toppled her government.
AL Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim told TIMES, “Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina wants to return to the country as soon as possible. That is why we are taking the necessary steps. She will return to the country in a heroic manner, just as she left for India.”
When asked whether these remarks were merely intended to energise activists, Nasim replied, “Wait and see. We are preparing to mobilise a massive gathering for Sheikh Hasina’s return.”
He added, “She is returning solely to stand by the helpless leaders and activists of the party during this difficult time.”
A leader of AL’s Europe unit, who recently met Hasina, on condition of anonymity, confirmed to TIMES that the former prime minister is willing to face trial in Bangladesh.
“The Indian government has been informed of her desire. She may even apply for a travel pass from the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi before 15 August,” the leader said.
According to a participant in a recent WhatsApp group call, Hasina reportedly told party leaders, “At my age, I can live for a few more years at most. Even if I have to walk the gallows for democracy in the country, I will have no regrets.”
Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh under military supervision on 5 August 2024. Since then, the Awami League’s top leadership has unravelled, with many senior leaders fleeing the country.
The interim government, led by chief adviser Muhammad Yunus, suspended AL’s political activities with an executive order on 27 October last year.
Awami League faced a heavier blow in April this year when parliament passed the anti-terrorism law allowing the government legal backing to formally ban political activities of the party.
As a result, many grassroots leaders and activists are now grappling with lawsuits, the constant fear of arrest, and severe financial hardship.
Against this backdrop, party insiders say Hasina has maintained regular contact with AL grassroots from India, where she is currently staying.
According to these sources, the Indian government provides her with security and permits her to meet with AL leaders, whom she has reportedly instructed to remain united.
They also noted that AL Presidium Member Jahangir Kabir Nanak has been tasked with reorganising grassroots activists across the country following Hasina’s latest directives.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the government is seeking Hasina’s extradition from India to face trial in Bangladesh. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, he said, “We want her back, and we want it legally. We have requested it through the foreign ministry in accordance with our agreement with India. We want her to stand trial for the cases filed against her.”
India has not yet officially responded to Bangladesh’s extradition request.
However, the home minister’s remarks have intensified political speculation regarding her possible return.
Political analysist Dilara Choudhury told TIMES, “Sheikh Hasina survived through her rhetoric during her 15 years in power, and she is still trying to energise her activists through words. I don’t see any credible evidence suggesting she will really return to the country.”
Choudhury added, “It is irrelevant when Sheikh Hasina wants to come. Rather, it is the government’s responsibility to bring her back and implement the verdict. We hope the government will make arrangements to execute the International Crimes Tribunal’s death sentence upon her return.”
Conversely, AL leaders argue that while Hasina fled to India purely for security reasons after being ousted, the presence of an elected government at this moment should guarantee her safety if she returns to face legal proceedings.
Furthermore, party insiders believe Awami League could regain political relevance by capitalising on public dissatisfaction with the current administration’s performance.
What Hasina could face upon return
On 17 November last year, ICT-1 sentenced Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in absentia for crimes against humanity.
The tribunal found Hasina guilty of genocide, ordering killings, and incitement during the July-August 2024 mass uprising, and ordered the full confiscation of her assets.
She currently faces a litany of additional cases filed with the ICT, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and complaints submitted to the International Criminal Court.
These legal challenges span allegations of genocide, crimes against humanity, enforced disappearances, severe state repression, widespread corruption, abuse of power, and the Purbachal plot scam.
Former ICT chief prosecutor Tajul Islam told TIMES, “If Sheikh Hasina returns to the country, she will first have to surrender to the ICT. She will also have to face charges of crimes against humanity, enforced disappearances, murder, and corruption.”
Asked whether she would still be able to appeal against death sentence, he said, “The deadline for appeal has already passed. It is up to the Supreme Court whether it will allow her to file an appeal.”
Tajul added, “It seems unlikely that she would return to the country and face these cases while a death warrant is active. This is merely Sheikh Hasina’s political stunt. However, if she genuinely wants to return and face the charges, that would be a positive step.”
