Sheikh Hasina Plans Return to Bangladesh Despite Death Sentence

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will make her first public appearance since her 2024 ouster on August 5, 2026. She is scheduled to participate in a virtual event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia at the Sir Mark Tully Auditorium in New Delhi. During the appearance, Hasina intends to discuss her future plans and her decision to return to Bangladesh in December 2026.

Hasina's planned return occurs despite a death sentence imposed by a tribunal for her role in crackdowns during the student-led uprising that removed her from power. She has expressed a willingness to face arrest or death upon her return to support the Awami League, her formerly led political party that remains banned under anti-terrorism law.

The current Bangladesh government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has repeatedly requested that India extradite her. The Ministry of External Affairs of India is currently examining those extradition requests. The upcoming event in New Delhi will also include other public figures, including her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and former cricketer Shakib Al Hasan.