**Title: Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Prepares to Surrender Amid Fears for Safety**
**New Delhi, India** – Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has announced her intention to surrender to authorities in her home country this December, despite expressing fears for her safety upon return. Currently in self-imposed exile in India, Hasina stated that she believes she could face arrest or even death when she returns to Bangladesh.
In a recent interview with Reuters, the 78-year-old politician, who is the longest-serving leader in Bangladesh's history, indicated that her decision to return is driven by a desire to confront what she describes as politically motivated charges against her. "They may arrest me on my return, they may even kill me," Hasina said, underscoring the gravity of her situation.
Hasina fled to India following her ouster during a student-led uprising, which culminated in a crackdown by the government. In her absence, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced her to death for alleged crimes against humanity, a charge she vehemently denies. Hasina asserts that the legal proceedings against her are a farce designed to suppress dissent and weaken democracy in Bangladesh.
"I have to go," she stated, emphasizing her commitment to return to her homeland where she feels a deep connection, particularly as her family’s history is intertwined with the nation’s struggle for independence. "If death comes, I want it to come on my own soil, where my parents are buried and where their blood was shed," she added, reflecting on her family's tragic history, including the assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s first president, during a military coup in 1975.
The former Prime Minister has been vocal about the repression faced by her party members in Bangladesh, claiming they are subjected to "tremendous repression." She has also indicated that the current government has been actively seeking her extradition from India, with Dhaka reportedly sending letters requesting her return.
Hasina's political career has been marked by significant achievements, including an economic turnaround in Bangladesh, but it has also faced criticism for authoritarian practices. Her tenure has seen allegations of human rights abuses and suppression of political opposition.
As she prepares for her return, Hasina remains resolute in her belief that she will prove her innocence in court. "Once proceedings start, the truth will come out," she stated, confident that the legal system will ultimately vindicate her.
The political landscape in Bangladesh remains tense, with opposition parties and activists closely monitoring the situation as Hasina plans her return. Her case highlights the ongoing struggles for democracy and human rights in the country, as well as the complex legacy of her family in the context of Bangladesh's history.
As December approaches, the international community will likely keep a close watch on developments surrounding Hasina's surrender and the implications it may have for the political climate in Bangladesh.