Sheikh Hasina Vows Return to Bangladesh Despite Death Sentence

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, 78, told NDTV on 28 June 2026 that she will return to Bangladesh “this year” despite a death sentence. She said she will “overcome every obstacle and every conspiracy,” framing her return as a mission to restore political rights, democracy and the rule of law.

The Straits TimesSouth China Morning PostUsNews and World Report

A student-led uprising in August 2024 forced Hasina’s government from power after years. She fled to India and remains in exile. The interim administration imposed a ban on the Awami League, which the current government has kept.

Sheikh Hasina Vows to Return to Bangladesh in 2026 Despite Death Sentence

Sheikh Hasina leads the Awami League, Bangladesh’s ruling party. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, sworn in on 17 February 2026, heads the government. The judiciary, acting through a Dhaka court also called the International Crimes Tribunal, issued the death sentence.

Sheikh Hasina Reiterates Determination for Returning to BangladeshSheikh Hasina Says She Will Return to Bangladesh This YearSouth China Morning Post

A Dhaka court convicted Hasina of incitement, ordering killings and failing to prevent atrocities during the 2024 unrest, sentencing her to death by hanging. Sources differ on the sentencing month, citing “last November” (implying November 2024) and “November 2025.” Government says the trial is part of accountability for alleged crimes in Hasina’s final months in office.

The Hindu

Awami League remains barred from political activity. Hasina urged the authorities to lift the ban, withdraw “false cases,” release political prisoners and allow peaceful activity, arguing the party is rooted in the “soil of Bengal” and the nation’s identity.

‘I do not fear death’: Former Bangladesh PM Hasina says she will return to Bangladesh ‘this year’

Bangladesh’s authorities assert the legal process is lawful and necessary to address alleged wrongdoing. They maintain return by Hasina must follow procedures and that death sentence will be enforced if she re-enters the country.

Sheikh Hasina Says She Will Return to Bangladesh This Year

Government rejects Hasina’s claim that the judiciary is used for political revenge, arguing the verdict reflects judicial independence and that the party ban is justified to preserve order.

Sheikh Hasina Says She Will Return to Bangladesh This Year

Estimates vary (180 million vs 170 million) and the sentencing date is reported as November 2024 and November 2025. Court is described as a “Dhaka court” and as the “International Crimes Tribunal” without clarification; independent verification of death-sentence details is lacking.

The Hindu

• “I do not fear death.” — Sheikh Hasina, former Prime Minister

Sheikh Hasina Says She Will Return to Bangladesh This Year

• “The judiciary has been turned into an instrument of political revenge to make the Awami League leaderless.” — Sheikh Hasina

Hasina tells NDTV she will return to Bangladesh this year, says Awami League cannot be erased

• “The Awami League is not a paper organisation but a political force rooted in the soil of Bengal, in the people of Bengal, in the history of Bengal and in the identity of the Bengali nation,” — Sheikh Hasina

UsNews and World Report

• “The verdict against me is not justice. It is part of an illegal, unconstitutional and politically motivated process. The judiciary has been turned into an instrument of political revenge to make the Awami League leaderless,” — Sheikh Hasina

Sheikh Hasina Says She Will Return to Bangladesh This Year

Bangladesh continues to seek Hasina’s extradition from India while monitoring her statements. Diplomatic talks, legal appeals or domestic pressure could affect the party ban and the death sentence, shaping the landscape ahead of election cycle.

Bangladesh’s ex-PM Sheikh Hasina vows to return home this year despite death sentence