- Hasina fled Bangladesh after the 2024 uprising.
- Bangladesh has requested Hasina’s extradition from India, but New Delhi, a close ally, says the request is 'under examination.'
- India's foreign ministry distanced itself from the event, stating it has no involvement and does not endorse any views expressed.
- Hasina vowed to return to Bangladesh.
- The Bangladeshi government expressed outrage over India allowing Hasina’s address, calling her a 'convicted mass murderer.'
- Awami League supporters remain loyal, with one senior leader stating: 'The leader will definitely return.'
- Critics doubt Hasina’s sincerity, with survivor Atikul Gazi stating: 'We do not believe she will return simply because she says she will.'
- Analysts see Hasina’s vow as a political strategy to motivate her party.
- Awami League supporters are awaiting her return, with activist Shajidul Islam Shobuj stating: 'We are eagerly awaiting her return and are already working to reorganise the party.'
- Critics dismiss her vow as empty rhetoric, with student Risul Islam Rifat stating: 'It’s nothing more than empty rhetoric.'
Sheikh Hasina, 78, declared her intention to return to Bangladesh despite the risk of imprisonment, following a controversial address from New Delhi. She stated, “They may put me in jail, or they may kill me. Anything may happen. But still I have to go back,” highlighting her commitment to her supporters.4
Hasina's return is complicated by a recent ruling from Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal, which found her guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced her to death for her role in the 2024 uprising that resulted in over 1,400 deaths. The Bangladeshi government has labeled her a “convicted mass murderer”, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stating, “Convicted mass murderer Hasina and her mafia enterprise will never have a place in the polity of Bangladesh.”1
As tensions rise, protests erupted in Dhaka, where demonstrators burned her effigy. India, traditionally an ally, distanced itself from Hasina's remarks, with spokesman Randhir Jaiswal asserting that the Indian government had no involvement in her address.3
Political analysts suggest Hasina's vow to return is a strategic move to rally her party, the Awami League, which has seen morale decline in her absence. “Returning to Bangladesh gives her a chance of remaining politically relevant,” said journalist David Bergman. However, skepticism remains among the populace, with some activists doubting her sincerity, calling her statements “empty rhetoric.”811
“Bangladesh has formally requested Hasina's extradition from India, but New Delhi says the request is 'under examination.' Meanwhile, Awami League supporters remain loyal, with one senior leader vowing, 'The leader will definitely return, and we will all come out of our hiding places.'”
