Sheikh Hasina Seeks Return to Bangladesh Amid Death Sentence
- Sheikh Hasina has requested a new passport to return to Bangladesh by December 2026.
- The Bangladesh government is seeking her extradition as a convicted fugitive.
- The International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced Hasina to death for her role in the 2024 crackdown.
- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government has imposed media restrictions on statements by Hasina.
- A UN-backed investigation reported 1,400 deaths during the 2024 nationwide movement.
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has requested a new national identity card and passport from the Bangladesh government, with the intention of returning to the country by December 2026. She aims to use this documentation to facilitate her return and reclaim her position as leader of the Awami League.
Her plan to return has been identified as a contentious issue by various media outlets. The former leader faces potential legal hurdles regarding her proposed travel back to Bangladesh. On 4 November 2026, the India-Bangladesh Joint River Commission was the subject of a report.
Bangladesh government seeks extradition of fugitive Hasina
The government of Bangladesh is currently seeking the extradition of Sheikh Hasina from India, citing the 2013 extradition treaty between the two nations. Acting Foreign Minister Humayun Kabir stated that the administration is pursuing her return through an "acceptable prisoner transfer process".
The Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal has declared that there is no legal basis to issue a passport to the former leader, describing her as a "convicted fugitive". Dhaka has further criticised the request for travel documents, referring to her as a "Fugitive Terr*rist".
International Crimes Tribunal sentences Hasina to death
The International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death for her role in the police crackdown that occurred in July and August 2024. This follows a November 2025 conviction by the tribunal, which also found former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal guilty for his role in the violence against protesters.
Dhaka officials stated on 10 November 2026 that Hasina has lost the opportunity to appeal the verdict as the 30-day legal deadline has expired.
Hasina denies ordering 2024 protest crackdown
Sheikh Hasina denies ordering the 2024 police crackdown, claiming that officers were responding to provocations from agitators and militants.
In a statement on 6 November 2026, she accused the current government in Dhaka of carrying out mass arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings.
Tarique Rahman government consolidates power after 2026 election
His administration has since imposed restrictions on the coverage of statements made by Sheikh Hasina within the Bangladeshi media.
While her own LinkedIn profile continues to list her as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the country is currently under the leadership of Mr Rahman.
Bangladesh is a South Asian nation with a population of nearly 180 million and a land area of 148,461 square kilometres.
Tribunal convicts Awami League officials for uprising violence
The International Crimes Tribunal has issued several convictions against members of the Awami League for violence during the 2024 uprising. On 29 October 2026, the tribunal sentenced an associate of Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity.
The court also sentenced Sadar Uddin Khan, Azgar Ali, and Ataur Rahman Ata to life imprisonment for their roles in the uprising.
These assets are valued at Taka 500 million.
UN-backed report details 1,400 killed in 2024 movement
A UN-backed investigation reported that 1,400 people were killed and 25,000 were injured during the 2024 nationwide movement. The Awami League claims that government agencies are currently arresting approximately 5,000 people every day.
Hasina remains in India since 2024 uprising
Sheikh Hasina has remained in India since 5 August 2024, following a student-led uprising that ended her 15-year tenure. She fled the country on that date and continues to take shelter in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Sheikh Hasina’s return to Bangladesh: the hurdles, the risks and the politics | Explained (thehindu.com)
- Sheikh Hasina (linkedin.com)
- Challenging times ahead for ousted premier Hasina (borderlens.com)
- Bangladesh (Wikipedia — background) (en.wikipedia.org)
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