28.06.2026 20:00
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed, who was sentenced to death in absentia in Bangladesh, stated that she will return to her country this year after leaving in 2024 during the protests. Hasina, noting that she has been following the developments in Bangladesh, said, "Bangladesh is going through another difficult period today. It deeply saddens me not to be there at this critical time for the country. I was not given this opportunity."
Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid, sentenced to death in absentia, spoke in India, where she fled by military helicopter while violent protests that killed hundreds in July 2024 continued.
“THIS YEAR, I WILL OVERCOME EVERY OBSTACLE AND EVERY CONSPIRACY TO RETURN TO MY COUNTRY” Hasina, who described the death sentence against her as "illegal, unconstitutional, and part of a politically motivated process," said, "I want to state clearly: This year, I will overcome every obstacle and every conspiracy to return to my country."
Stating that she is following developments in Bangladesh, Hasina said, "Bangladesh is once again going through a difficult time. It deeply pains me not to be there during this critical moment for the country. I was not granted this opportunity."
Sheikh Hasina Wajid “THEY FAILED TO ERASE THE AWAMI LEAGUE FROM THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE” Hasina, expressing that her return is not driven by "personal ambition" and that she is "not afraid of death," argued that her party, the Awami League, whose registration was suspended following the protest events, "has led all democratic movements in the country."
Hasina stated that the Awami League has "been banned many times and risen again," using the phrase: "They may have closed party offices. They may have temporarily suppressed political activities. But they failed to erase the Awami League from the hearts of the people."
SENTENCED TO DEATH IN BANGLADESH In Bangladesh, protests led by students began in July 2024 following a decision to reserve public sector quotas for the children of those who served in the 1971 War of Independence.
It was announced that the protests had ended after the Supreme Court reduced the quota proportions, but protesters then took to the streets again, calling for "justice" for those who lost their lives in the demonstrations.
As violent incidents escalated, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left her official residence and went to India by military helicopter; during this time, protesters stormed the Prime Minister's official residence.
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as the head of the interim government on August 8, 2024, and in elections held on February 12 this year to end the interim period, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) came to power.
Hasina, besides being sentenced to death in absentia in November 2025 for being personally responsible for the loss of life in the protests, was also sentenced to prison terms on corruption charges.