‘Even death is acceptable, but I will return to my country…’, adamant Sheikh Hasina on her return to Bangladesh in December, said – no need for foreign help

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday reiterated that she will return to her country in the month of December. In an email interview with The Associated Press, Sheikh Hasina said she would return to Bangladesh in December, even if she faced the death penalty and the possibility of arrest, prison or death. Sheikh Hasina said her decision to return had not changed since she first announced it in August. He also refused to seek diplomatic intervention from India or other countries to facilitate his return.

“If death is my destiny, I would prefer to die on my country’s soil, among my people. So, I will return to Bangladesh. That decision has not changed,” Hasina told AP.

beautiful womanwho was prime minister from 2009 until his ouster in August 2024, said he was prepared for the risks involved in returning, including the possibility of detention upon entering Bangladesh.

No need for foreign help… Sheikh Hasina said

She did not say how she would return from India. She said, “I know that I may be arrested upon my return. I may be jailed, tortured or even killed. I am fully aware of these possibilities, but I cannot spend the rest of my life watching my people suffer from afar.”

Asked whether India or the United States would pressure Dhaka for her safe return, Hasina said she did not need the support of any foreign government.

“I value friendship and cooperation with all countries. This has always been our (Bangladesh’s) foreign policy, but I don’t need any foreign power’s blessing to return to my country,” she told AP.

Hasina sentenced to death and Awami League banned

Hasina fled to Bangladesh in August 2024, after a major student-led uprising ousted her from office. Since then he has been in India. In November 2025, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal sentenced him to death in absentia for crimes against humanity over a crackdown on protesters. The United Nations estimates that around 1,400 people were killed during the violence. Hasina has denied wrongdoing, dismissed the verdict and questioned the validity of the trial.

Bangladesh has repeatedly demanded his extradition, but India has refused to hand him over. His comeback plan also comes against the backdrop of the Awami League’s uncertain political future. The party is banned, many of its senior leaders have been arrested or exiled, and it is barred from contesting the February elections.

After Hasina was ousted, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus ran an interim government for 18 months. In February, Tariq Rehman, son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and a long-time political opponent of Hasina, swept to power in elections under a caretaker government. Hasina blamed the action on Awami League supporters.

Accused of political violence in Bangladesh

Hasina alleged that political pressure on Awami League supporters continued after her departure. He claimed that at least 20,000 party members have been killed since August 2024, while thousands more have been arrested, tortured or forced into hiding. He also alleged that supporters have lost their homes, businesses and livelihoods because of their political affiliations.

“There is no normal political or democratic atmosphere,” he said, accusing the authorities of systematically suppressing the Awami League. The government says the arrests are related to specific charges. However, rights groups including Human Rights Watch have criticized Rahman’s government in recent months over alleged attacks on civil and political rights. Hasina expressed concern over the growing influence of extremist groups.

Hasina also expressed concern over the growing influence of extremist groups in Bangladesh. Global rights groups and independent observers have previously expressed concern about radical groups trying to suppress moderate forces during the Yunus-led interim government. Minority communities also reported incidents of intimidation, allegations which the interim government denied. “The current political climate has allowed extremist elements to gain more confidence,” Hasina said. During her 15-year rule, Hasina took a tough stance towards radical groups. His latest comments come amid ongoing concerns over law and order, minority rights and the political climate in Bangladesh.