Bangladesh has "welcomed" Sheikh Hasina, the country's ousted prime minister, returning to Dhaka, stating that she must face justice as a death penalty convict. After her administration fell in August 2024 due to widespread anti-government protests, Hasina, 78, fled Dhaka and now resides in India.

Sources close to Hasina stated last week that she was getting ready to voluntarily return to Dhaka before the end of the year in order to revitalize her Awami League party. Bangladesh's Statements
In response, Bangladesh Prime Minister Tariq Rehman's advisor Zahed Ur Rahman challenged Hasina to bring the world's top attorneys to Dhaka in order to defend herself against accusations of "crimes against humanity" related to her government's violent suppression of student-led protests in 2024.At a press conference, Rahman stated, "We welcome her announcement as we want to ensure justice." The "people of the country want her death penalty to be upheld for the crimes she committed, and in that case her capital punishment will be executed as the people want to see that."The Daily Star cited him as stating, "Let her bring the best lawyers in the world."
According to Rehman, the International Crimes Tribunal (Bangladesh) (ICT-BD) hearings would continue to be open, visible to onlookers, and televised. He added that the court can decide to overturn Hasina's conviction or clear her.

"That too could happen," he added, adding that there was no pressure on the government over her intended return.
On August 5, 2024, a violent street protest led by students overthrew Hasina, the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of Bangladesh.
Rehman pointed out that the decisions made by the ICT-BD, which was established in 2010 under the Awami League government, had already been overturned or suspended.
Rahman stated that "procedural issues will not debar her return" and that Delhi can make plans after discussing the issue with Dhaka.

Hasina's Belief
A special tribunal in Dhaka sentenced Hasina to death in absentia in November of last year for suspected "crimes against humanity" related to her government's violent suppression of student-led protests in 2024. The death penalty, criminal convictions, and charges against her have all been dismissed by her as "politically motivated."
Dhaka has been pleading with New Delhi to extradite her so she can face justice since the verdict.
India's Response
Conversely, India responded to Hasina's intentions cautiously, stating that its stance on the matter has not changed.Our approach to the issue has not changed. According to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, "Any extradition matter is a legal issue, and it will be dealt with accordingly."

Bangladesh-India Relations
After the Sheikh Hasina government fell in August 2024 and Muhammad Yunus took over as temporary leader, relations between Bangladesh and India saw a significant decline.
After Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, represented India at Tarique Rahman's inauguration as prime minister in Dhaka on February 17, the two sides began steps to stabilize relations.