New Delhi, Oct. 20 -- Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reiterated her determination to return to Bangladesh in December despite fears that she could be arrested, tortured or even killed, saying she considers it her responsibility to stand alongside her supporters.
Addressing a Washington-based press conference virtually on Monday, Hasina said she was aware of the risks involved in returning to a country she fled in August 2024 following a student-led uprising that brought down her government.
"I will go back to Bangladesh in December. I am not afraid. I know they can kill me, arrest me and torture me," she said, adding that returning home was her responsibility.
The 79-year-old Awami League leader, who has been living in India since her ouster, did not announce a specific date for her return.
Hasina said she had faced arrest and threats to her life during earlier periods of political turmoil but had never allowed such dangers to prevent her from returning to Bangladesh.
She recalled her return in 1981 after years abroad following the assassination of her father, Bangladesh's founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and several members of her family in 1975.
She also referred to her detention during the political emergency in 2007, when she faced criminal allegations under a military-backed caretaker administration.
Her latest declaration follows earlier statements indicating that she intends to return by December, although the circumstances surrounding her proposed arrival remain uncertain.
Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who attended the press conference, said no final date had been decided and that an announcement would be made closer to the time.
Hasina expressed gratitude to the Indian government and people for providing refuge after her administration collapsed in August 2024.
She said she had not been prepared to leave Bangladesh but was forced to flee as the political crisis intensified.
"I was not prepared to leave my country, but somehow I reached here. I thank the Indian government and the people here," she said.
Her continued presence in India has remained a sensitive issue in relations between New Delhi and Dhaka, particularly after Bangladesh sought her extradition.
Hasina has previously said she intends to return voluntarily rather than wait for any decision on the extradition requests.
The former premier criticised the Tarique Rahman-led government, alleging political persecution, corruption, unemployment and extortion.
She claimed that Awami League leaders and workers were facing arrests, harassment and violence following the collapse of her administration.
Hasina also alleged that more than 600 cases had been registered against her while individuals she accused of involvement in crimes had received immunity under the previous interim administration.
These allegations were made by Hasina and were not independently established during the press conference.
Her son also criticised the treatment of Awami League members, alleging extrajudicial killings and politically motivated imprisonment.
Hasina called for free and fair elections and maintained that Bangladesh's political future should be determined by its citizens.
Hasina's proposed return comes amid serious legal challenges in Bangladesh.
In November 2025, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal sentenced her to death in absentia over her government's violent crackdown on the student-led protests in 2024.
She has denied the charges and questioned the legitimacy of the proceedings.
According to a United Nations investigation, as many as 1,400 people may have been killed during the unrest that preceded her removal from office. The UN also documented serious human rights violations involving the former government and security forces.
Bangladesh has repeatedly requested her extradition from India, although New Delhi has not handed her over.
Hasina has previously indicated that she and other senior Awami League leaders intend to return and present themselves before the courts.
The former prime minister has maintained that her return is not solely about regaining political power but about supporting her party and its workers.
She has questioned restrictions imposed on the Awami League and argued that voters should determine the party's political future.
Her latest comments signal that she intends to proceed with her return despite the possibility of immediate detention and further legal proceedings.
However, the precise timing, travel arrangements and response of the Bangladesh government remain unclear.
The announcement could add another dimension to Bangladesh's continuing political tensions and its relationship with India, where Hasina has remained in exile for more than two years.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.