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Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina announces her plan to return to Bangladesh

Al Jazeera · 2026-08-05

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced her intention to return to Bangladesh after two years in exile in India, despite facing a potential death penalty. • Why it matters: Hasina's return could significantly impact the political landscape in Bangladesh, as her ousting in 2024 followed a violent crackdown on protesters, raising concerns about the current government's response and the future of the Awami League. • What to watch next: Observers will be closely monitoring the Bangladeshi government's reaction to Hasina's planned return and any developments regarding her legal challenges as December approaches.

**Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina Announces Plans to Return to Bangladesh After Two-Year Exile**

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has declared her intention to return to her home country after spending two years in exile in India. The announcement, made via videolink on Wednesday, comes despite the serious legal challenges she faces, including a potential death penalty.

At the event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC) of South Asia, Hasina, 78, spoke alongside her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and other prominent members of the Awami League, including former Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel. During her address, she expressed her commitment to returning to Bangladesh, although she did not specify an exact date. However, she indicated a desire for her return to coincide with December of this year.

Hasina's return is highly anticipated, especially given the circumstances surrounding her departure from Bangladesh. She was ousted from power in 2024 amid a violent crackdown on protesters, which has drawn significant attention both domestically and internationally. The political landscape in Bangladesh has been tumultuous, and her return could have significant implications for the country's future.

The announcement has sparked discussions among political analysts and supporters alike, who are keen to understand how her return might influence the current political climate in Bangladesh. The Awami League, which Hasina has led for years, has been a dominant force in Bangladeshi politics, but recent years have seen increasing tensions and challenges to its authority.

As the situation unfolds, many are watching closely to see how the Bangladeshi government will respond to Hasina's planned return and what measures will be taken regarding her legal challenges. The political ramifications of her return could be profound, potentially reshaping the dynamics within the Awami League and the broader political arena in Bangladesh.

As of now, the exact details surrounding her return remain uncertain, but Hasina's announcement has undoubtedly reignited interest in the future of Bangladeshi politics and the role of its former leader.

Source: Al Jazeera
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