Former PM Sheikh Hasina’s Return Call: More Politics Than Law
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was removed in the July 2024 mass uprising, has recently said she wants to return to Bangladesh. She is currently living in India. She remains a fugitive after her conviction in Bangladesh.
Hasina made these comments in interviews with Reuters on July 10 and AFP on July 29. For her to return, both the Bangladesh-India Extradition Treaty and India’s Extradition Act of 1962 would be important. Bangladesh has asked for her extradition using these laws many times.
It appears Hasina’s statements are mainly political, not legal. Her goals seem to be to motivate her supporters in the Awami League. She hopes this activism will increase pressure on the Bangladeshi government. She also wants to stop anyone from reorganizing the Awami League without her leadership.
By speaking about her return, Hasina gives her supporters a clear goal. She can blame the Bangladesh government for any legal issues that stop her return. The timing of her announcement is also important. She spoke in July to stay relevant during the second anniversary of her removal from power.
Bangladeshi political parties are united regarding Hasina’s trial and extradition. Only those who supported her rule have disagreed.
India provided shelter to Hasina after the 2024 uprising. Public anger towards India has grown in Bangladesh because of this. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman commented on this in October 2025. He said India’s choice to shelter Hasina made it unpopular among Bangladeshis.
India’s Ambassador Dinesh Trivedi and Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman recently discussed resetting relations. This happened in Dhaka on July 29. India’s parliament also stated on July 30 that India does not allow its land to be used for political activities against other countries. This policy should also apply to Hasina.
India may still use Hasina as a tool in its dealings with Bangladesh. Allowing her to make statements could create unrest in Bangladesh. This would put pressure on the government. Hasina would likely agree to this, as her main goal is to remain politically important.
The Bangladeshi government and political parties should consider these facts carefully. They must continue to press India for Hasina’s extradition. This is important to ensure justice for those harmed in the July 2024 movement.
