Bangladesh welcomes Sheikh Hasina’s return, signals trial review

DHAKA: Bangladesh has signaled that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would be welcome to return home to face the legal proceedings against her, with government officials saying the courts could uphold, revise, or even overturn the death sentence previously handed down in her absence.

The development comes after reports that the 78-year-old Awami League leader is preparing to voluntarily return to Dhaka before the end of 2026 in an effort to revive her party’s political activities.

Sheikh Hasina has been living in India since August 2024, when she left Bangladesh following months of anti-government protests led by students that ultimately forced her administration from power.

Responding to reports of her planned return, Zahidur Rahman, an adviser to Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, said the government welcomed the announcement because it wanted the judicial process to move forward transparently.

“We welcome her decision to return because we want justice to take its course,” he told reporters.

Rahman said Hasina should bring the “best lawyers in the world” to defend herself against allegations of crimes against humanity linked to the government’s crackdown on protesters during the 2024 demonstrations.

He stressed that the proceedings before Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal would be conducted transparently, with international observers allowed to monitor the process and video coverage of court hearings potentially being made available.

While acknowledging that many Bangladeshis want the previously announced death sentence to remain in place, Rahman emphasized that the final decision rests with the judiciary.

“The court may uphold its ruling, review the sentence, or even acquit her,” he said, adding that the government would not interfere in the legal process.

Officials also stated that Bangladesh was under no pressure regarding Hasina’s possible return and that legal procedures would not prevent her from re-entering the country. They added that India could coordinate with Dhaka if arrangements for her return become necessary.

Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was sentenced to death in absentia by a special court last year over allegations of crimes against humanity related to the 2024 crackdown on protesters. She has consistently rejected all charges, describing the case, the death sentence, and other legal proceedings as politically motivated.

Since the verdict, Bangladesh has repeatedly requested that India hand over Hasina to face trial.

India responded cautiously to the latest reports. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi’s position remains unchanged, noting that any extradition request is a legal matter that would be handled according to applicable laws.

With Sheikh Hasina indicating she may return later this year, Bangladesh could soon witness one of the most closely watched political and legal developments in its recent history, as the former prime minister prepares to confront the allegations against her in court.