‘If Death Is My Destiny’: Hasina Says She Needs No Foreign Power’s Blessing To Return To Bangladesh

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has reiterated her firm determination to return to the country from exile in India this December, despite acknowledging the significant risks of arrest, imprisonment, torture, or even death upon her arrival. Hasina, who was ousted in a mass uprising in August 2024 and subsequently sentenced to death in absentia in November 2025 for crimes against humanity related to a crackdown on protesters, stated her decision remains unchanged. In an email interview with The Associated Press, she declared, "If death is my destiny, I would rather die on the soil of my own country, among my own people. So, I will return to Bangladesh. That decision has not changed." She further clarified that she is not seeking diplomatic intervention from India or any other nation, asserting, "I do not need the blessing of a foreign power to return to my own country," while valuing friendship and cooperation with all nations as part of Bangladesh's foreign policy. Hasina, who served as prime minister from 2009 to 2024, did not disclose her travel plans but confirmed her awareness of potential immediate arrest.

Hasina's proposed return comes amid a complex political landscape following her ouster, which saw student-led protests force her from power in August 2024. The United Nations reported nearly 1,400 people were killed during the violence that led to her departure. She has consistently denied wrongdoing, rejected the verdict, and challenged the legitimacy of the trial that resulted in her death sentence. Bangladesh has repeatedly sought her extradition, but India has declined to hand her over. Her political party, the Awami League, remains banned, with several senior leaders arrested or driven into exile, and was barred from contesting the February election. Following Hasina’s removal, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus headed an interim administration for 18 months, leading to Tarique Rahman, son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, sweeping to power in the February election. Hasina has alleged a continued crackdown on her party's supporters since her departure, claiming at least 20,000 Awami League members have been killed since August 2024, with thousands more arrested, tortured, or forced into hiding, and supporters losing homes and livelihoods due to political affiliations, stating, "There is no normal political or democratic environment." The government maintains arrests involve specific charges, while rights groups like Human Rights Watch have criticized Rahman’s government over alleged assaults on civil and political rights.

The former prime minister also expressed profound concern over what she described as the growing influence of extremist groups within Bangladesh's current political environment. Hasina, who took a tough stance against radical groups during her 15 years in power, told AP that "The present political environment has allowed extremist elements to become more confident." This concern echoes earlier reports from global rights groups and independent observers who raised alarms about radical groups attempting to suppress liberal forces during the interim administration. Minority groups have also reported intimidation, allegations that the Yunus-led government had denied. Hasina's remarks contribute to continuing concerns over law and order and the broader political climate in Bangladesh.

What to watch: The political developments surrounding Sheikh Hasina's anticipated return to Bangladesh in December.

Editor's note: An excellent, thorough piece that captures all the nuances of Hasina's interview, the political context of Bangladesh, and the specific claims made regarding her return and the current administration.