If Death Comes, Let It Be On My Own Soil: Sheikh Hasina announces Bangladesh return plan

Exiled former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina says she will return to Bangladesh in December and surrender before a court despite facing a death sentence, saying she is prepared for arrest or even death.

Post Published By: Ayushi Bisht

Updated : 10 July 2026, 2:41 PM IST

Sheikh Hasina announces Bangladesh return plan (Img: IANS)

Dhaka: Exiled former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced plans to return to Bangladesh in December despite facing a death sentence, saying she is prepared to surrender before a court and accept whatever follows.

Speaking to Reuters, Hasina said she and senior leaders of the banned Awami League intend to return voluntarily to Bangladesh and present themselves before the judiciary.

Also Read: Bomb blast at NCP rally near Dhaka, Three injured during anti-Sheikh Hasina event

'If Death Comes, Let It Be on My Own Soil'

The 78-year-old leader said she was aware of the risks involved in returning. "They may arrest me on my return, they may even kill me. Still, I have to go. If death comes, I want it to come on my own soil, where my parents are buried," she said.

Hasina added that her party workers continue to face repression following the fall of her government.

Death Sentence After 2024 Political Crisis

Hasina fled Bangladesh in 2024 after massive student-led protests ended her two-decade rule. In November, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal sentenced her to death in absentia over allegations related to the deadly crackdown on the protests. She has denied all charges and has been living in India since leaving office.

Return Could Impact India-Bangladesh Ties

Her proposed return comes as Bangladesh continues to seek her extradition from India. New Delhi has previously said it is examining Dhaka's request while engaging constructively with the interim government.

Also Read: Bangladesh Court sentences former PM Sheikh Hasina to 10 years in jail in corruption cases

Hasina said she has not discussed her return with any foreign government and believes the legal proceedings will expose what she described as the shortcomings of the case against her.

Awami League Continues Reorganisation

The former prime minister said she has been holding virtual meetings across Bangladesh to reorganise the Awami League despite the party being banned.

She maintained that the people not the courts should ultimately judge her government's legacy and insisted that democracy and political rights should be restored.