**Title: Ousted PM Sheikh Hasina Plans Return to Bangladesh Amid Legal Challenges**
Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced her intention to return to Bangladesh this year from India, where she has been living in self-imposed exile since her ousting in 2024. This declaration follows the recent 77th Founding Day celebration of her political party, the Awami League, on June 23.
In an interview with India's NDTV, Hasina expressed her determination to overcome obstacles and conspiracies, stating, “I want to say clearly: overcoming every obstacle and every conspiracy, I will return to my country this year.” Her comments reflect a defiant stance amid ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh.
The Awami League, which Hasina leads, has faced significant challenges, including a recent crackdown on its activists. Reports indicate that numerous party members were arrested for violating a ban on the organization. Despite these challenges, Hasina emphasized the resilience of her party, asserting that it is a “political force rooted in the soil of Bengal” and has historically managed to make comebacks even after facing bans and violence.
In November 2025, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh sentenced Hasina to death in absentia for alleged crimes against humanity. This tribunal, established in 2009 by Hasina's own government, was created to prosecute individuals involved in the atrocities committed during Bangladesh's liberation war in 1971. Hasina has labeled the verdict as “illegal, unconstitutional, and politically motivated,” claiming that the judiciary has been manipulated for political revenge against her and the Awami League.
Sheikh Hasina is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the first president of Bangladesh and a pivotal figure in the country's liberation movement. Rahman was assassinated during a military coup in 1975, an event that profoundly impacted Hasina's life and political career. The legacy of her father has been a central theme in her political narrative, although references to him were removed by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus following the coup.
The political landscape in Bangladesh has shifted significantly since Hasina's departure. In February, the country held its first general election since her ousting, resulting in a commanding victory for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. This election marked a pivotal moment in Bangladesh's political history, further complicating Hasina's potential return.
In previous interviews, Hasina has suggested that foreign interference played a role in the protests that led to her removal from power. She has claimed that there is “forensic evidence” indicating the involvement of “foreign mercenaries” during the unrest. Additionally, a former cabinet minister has alleged that the riots were supported by USAID and the family of Hillary Clinton.
As Hasina prepares for her potential return, the political situation in Bangladesh remains volatile. The Awami League's future and Hasina's role in it are uncertain, as the party navigates a landscape marked by arrests, bans, and a changing political tide.
Despite the challenges ahead, Hasina's commitment to returning to Bangladesh underscores her enduring influence and the complexities of the country's political dynamics. The coming months may reveal whether she can reclaim her position in Bangladeshi politics or if the obstacles she faces will prove insurmountable.