Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said she is determined to return to Bangladesh by December despite acknowledging that she could be arrested, imprisoned or even killed upon her return. Her remarks come as legal proceedings against her continue and Bangladesh pursues her extradition from India.

Speaking in an interview with AFP, the 78-year-old leader said she was fully aware of the dangers awaiting her but insisted that her decision was driven by public support.

“I may be killed. I may be arrested. I may be sent to prison. I am fully aware of my fate. Still, I want to go back because my people are calling me,” Hasina said.

Return Plan Amid Legal Uncertainty

Sheikh Hasina has been living in India since August 2024 after fleeing Bangladesh following a student-led uprising that ended her 15-year tenure in office. According to the United Nations, the crackdown on anti-government protests resulted in up to 1,400 deaths.

Bangladesh has formally sought her extradition from India, although New Delhi has stated that the request is under examination. Hasina clarified that her intention to return is not linked to the extradition process.

"I am staying in India with due respect and dignity. Indian authorities have not discussed extradition with me. I myself have decided to return to my country," she said.

Multiple Cases Under Investigation

The former Prime Minister is facing several legal challenges in Bangladesh over alleged human rights violations and abuses committed during her time in power.

The latest development comes after Bangladesh detained an active army brigadier general over the alleged extrajudicial killing of a local politician during the country's 2018 anti-drug campaign. The arrest followed the International Crimes Tribunal accepting a complaint against 11 individuals, including Hasina, a former police chief and serving and retired military officials.

The tribunal is investigating allegations related to the killing of Cox's Bazar councillor Akramul Haque as part of a wider probe into alleged abuses during the previous government.

In November, a Dhaka court convicted Hasina of crimes against humanity and sentenced her to death by hanging. She has rejected the verdict, describing it as "political vengeance dressed up as law."

Hasina Rejects Rights Abuse Allegations

International human rights organisations have accused the former government of enforced disappearances, suppression of dissent, political killings and misuse of state institutions.

Hasina denied the allegations, maintaining that complaints were investigated during her administration and that those found guilty faced action.

She also defended the government's response to the student protests that ultimately forced her from office.

"My government showed the highest level of patience and tried to guide the student movement towards a peaceful solution," she said, adding that the agitation later transformed into "a planned operation driven by hidden instructions, organised violence, propaganda and the objective of overthrowing the government."

No Apology Over Protest Deaths

While expressing sympathy for families who lost relatives during the protests, Hasina stopped short of issuing an apology.

She said she felt for every affected family but argued that decisions taken by a government during a national crisis could not be judged by focusing on isolated incidents.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch has raised concerns over the fairness of ongoing trials in Bangladesh. The organisation stated that while accountability for alleged abuses is necessary, legal proceedings must comply with international standards of fair trial.

Political Future Unclear

Hasina declined to confirm whether she intends to resume active politics if she returns to Bangladesh, where her Awami League party has effectively been banned.

"Power is not my destination," she said. "Service to the people is."