Bangladesh, June 2 -- More than 21 months after fleeing the country in disgrace, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina continues to claim in interviews and online addresses that she will return to Bangladesh "very soon" to restore democracy.

However, both legal barriers and political realities suggest her return is highly improbable.

In November 2025, the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia for crimes against humanity.

The tribunal held her directly responsible for the deaths of over 1,400 people - mostly students and young civilians - during the 2024 mass uprising.

Evidence presented in court included leaked audio recordings in which Hasina allegedly ordered security forces to "use lethal weapons...