Why Sheikh Hasina’s Return to Bangladesh Remains Highly Unlikely
More than 21 months after fleeing the country in disgrace, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina continues to claim in interviews and online addresses that she will return to Bangladesh “very soon” to restore democracy.
However, both legal barriers and political realities suggest her return is highly improbable.
In November 2025, the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia for crimes against humanity.
The tribunal held her directly responsible for the deaths of over 1,400 people — mostly students and young civilians — during the 2024 mass uprising.
Evidence presented in court included leaked audio recordings in which Hasina allegedly ordered security forces to “use lethal weapons” and “shoot wherever they find them.”
Reports also emerged of shots being fired from helicopters on protesters, an allegation that caused widespread outrage.
The brutal crackdown, which began as a student movement against job quotas, quickly turned into a nationwide revolt against what many described as an increasingly authoritarian regime.
The turning point came when the army refused to support the government’s plan for a full-scale military crackdown.
On 5 August 2024, facing massive crowds marching toward her residence, Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India by helicopter.
The army chief later announced her departure and the formation of an interim government.
Legal Barriers to Return
Sheikh Hasina faces severe legal barriers that make any voluntary return extremely risky and effectively impossible without immediate arrest.
• Death Sentence in Absentia: On 17 November 2025, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) convicted her of crimes against humanity and sentenced her to death. She was tried in absentia.
• Active Arrest Warrant: An arrest warrant remains in force, and Bangladesh authorities continue to pursue her extradition.
• Appeal Restrictions: Under Section 21 of the ICT Act, her right to appeal is severely limited. She would generally need to surrender voluntarily and file an appeal within 30 days of the verdict (a deadline long passed). Any return would likely result in immediate custody.
• Extradition Efforts: Bangladesh has formally requested her extradition from India. India has stated it is reviewing the request under legal processes, but compliance remains highly unlikely due to the death penalty, the political nature of the case, and diplomatic considerations.
Practical Implications for Entry: If Sheikh Hasina attempts to enter Bangladesh by any means (commercial flight, land border, or other port of entry), immigration or border authorities would detain her immediately due to the outstanding warrant and conviction.
There is no legal mechanism for safe passage or protected entry.
Additional convictions, such as land grab cases, would further compound her legal troubles.
Since her fall, the Awami League has suffered a near-total collapse. The party’s activities were officially banned, and it has virtually no visible presence on the ground.
Despite Hasina’s repeated calls for supporters to remain active through social and professional platforms, there has been almost no response.
Now 78 years old, facing a death sentence with virtually no realistic scope for appeal, and with the current government actively seeking her extradition, Sheikh Hasina finds herself politically isolated.
Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, has also publicly indicated that she is now too old to engage in active politics.
Many analysts believe that after 15 years in power, Sheikh Hasina’s long and controversial political chapter has finally come to a close.
The combination of these formidable legal obstacles and collapsed political support makes her return not just unlikely, but practically untenable.
