Sheikh Hasina Set to Make Comeback in Bangladesh This December

WHO:

ABC News - Sheikh Hasina, the ousted former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, is 78 years old.

Al Jazeera - Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Sheikh Hasina's son, and former Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel are mentioned as Awami League leaders present during her announcement.

WHAT:

Al Jazeera - Hasina stated, “I may be killed. I may be arrested. I may be sent to prison,” indicating her awareness of the risks associated with her return.

Al Jazeera - Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, mentioned that they were not in contact with the current government of Bangladesh.

Al Jazeera - Hasina's return is seen as an attempt to remain politically relevant and revive the Awami League, which was barred from participating in the recent elections.

ABC News - Sheikh Hasina plans to return to Bangladesh from exile in India in December.

Al Jazeera - Hasina faces a death penalty in Bangladesh for crimes against humanity, including incitement and ordering killings.

Al Jazeera - Hasina was sentenced to hang in absentia in 2025 after refusing to attend her trial.

Al Jazeera - An estimated 1,400 people were killed and more than 20,000 were injured during the crackdown on protests in 2024.

WHERE:

ABC News - Sheikh Hasina is currently in exile in India.

Al Jazeera - The announcement was made via video link at an event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC) of South Asia.

WHEN:

Al Jazeera - Hasina's return is planned for December this year, with the exact date to be announced later.

Al Jazeera - The events leading to her exile occurred in August 2024.

WHY:

Al Jazeera - Hasina's return is motivated by her belief that “my people are calling me,” reflecting her desire to reconnect with her supporters in Bangladesh.

Al Jazeera - Hasina stated, “I cannot stay away while my beloved countrymen are suffering,” indicating her motivation to return despite the risks.

Al Jazeera - The extradition request for Hasina from Bangladesh to India is being examined through legal processes.

HOW:

Al Jazeera - The event where Hasina made her announcement was titled “Sheikh Hasina’s homecoming.”

Al Jazeera - Hasina fled to New Delhi via helicopter following a brutal crackdown on protesters in 2024.

Al Jazeera - The Bangladeshi government has banned local media from airing her speech, which was organized by a private media entity in India.

(UPDATED August 5, 2026 22:11 UTC)

Sheikh Hasina has expressed serious concerns for her safety, stating, “I may be killed. I may be arrested. I may be sent to prison,” as she prepares for her return to Bangladesh. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, revealed that they have not been in contact with the current government, and this return is seen as a move to revive the Awami League, which was barred from recent elections. Hasina believes that “my people are calling me,” highlighting her desire to reconnect with her supporters during the event titled “Sheikh Hasina’s homecoming.”

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(UPDATED August 5, 2026 18:28 UTC)

Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh, plans to return from her exile in India this December, despite facing a death penalty for crimes against humanity. During her announcement made via video link at an event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia, Hasina expressed her desire to return, stating, “I cannot stay away while my beloved countrymen are suffering.” Her return comes after a brutal crackdown on protests in 2024, which resulted in an estimated 1,400 deaths and more than 20,000 injuries.