New Delhi: Over two years after her dramatic ouster from power, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is preparing to make a highly anticipated return to her homeland. Despite facing over 150 criminal cases and the looming threat of the gallows, the seasoned politician has expressed her intention to return to Dhaka by December, setting the stage for a major political showdown in the neighbouring nation.
In a recent interaction with the international media, Hasina confirmed her plans to go back, acknowledging the severe risks involved. Speaking to the news agency AFP, she stated that she is fully aware of the preparations being made to execute her in Bangladesh. However, she remains resolute, maintaining that she must return because her “own people” are calling for her.
Hasina was forced to flee to India in 2024 following a massive political upheaval and a subsequent coup that toppled her government. Since her arrival in India via a special aircraft, she has remained in exile. Back home, she has been convicted in at least 10 cases, and a Bangladeshi court recently sentenced her to death in connection with crimes against humanity.
Political analysts point out multiple strategic reasons behind her decision to return despite the life threatening risks. At the twilight of her life and political career, Hasina—the daughter of Bangladesh’s founding father—wishes to spend her final days in her homeland and shed the image of a leader who fled in crisis. Furthermore, she continues to enjoy a substantial support base. A survey conducted in December 2024 indicated that 57 percent of the population still considered her Awami League party essential for democracy in Bangladesh.
Her return is also driven by the shifting political dynamics under the current administration. Observers note that the interim government and the subsequent administration led by Tarique Rahman of the BNP have failed to implement promised constitutional reforms, operating much like the previous regime. This has provided the Awami League with a potent political narrative. Additionally, rising instances of extremism by radical outfits like Jamaat have made her secular image appealing, particularly in urban areas.
Awami League leaders also argue that Bangladesh’s economic growth has stagnated, with foreign investment drying up and the crucial garment industry suffering due to strained relations with India. Hasina aims to spark a mass movement to revitalise her weakening party before the current government enacts new laws that could permanently dismantle the Awami League.