Bangladesh, March 1 -- In a dramatic and unexpected move, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reportedly instructed leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Awami League – now scattered across India, Malaysia, the Gulf states, Europe, North America and beyond – to begin taking “mental preparations” for returning to Bangladesh, even if it means imprisonment.

The message, delivered through a virtual interaction and circulated via a press release attributed to party insiders, marks the most confrontational posture adopted by Hasina since the political upheaval of August 5, 2024 forced her into exile. Her directive was blunt: those unwilling to face legal consequences upon return may find themselves excluded from t...