Absconding Convict Sheikh Hasina Declares Return, Stirs Bangladesh-India Ties
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, 78, announced her plan to return to Bangladesh in December. She spoke from New Delhi, India, during an online press conference on Wednesday. Sheikh Hasina has been living in India for two years.
She was removed from power after a student uprising in 2024. She is a convicted person, sentenced to death for crimes against humanity. Her party, the Awami League, is banned from political activities in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh strongly reacted to India for allowing the press conference. This event happened on the second anniversary of the July Uprising. That uprising led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government.
Experts suggest several reasons for Sheikh Hasina’s announcement. Michael Kugelman, an expert at the Atlantic Council, offered three ideas. She might think the current government is better for her than the past interim one. She may also want to clear her name from what she calls political charges. A simpler reason could be that she wants to retire and spend her final days in Bangladesh.
A senior Awami League leader, who did not wish to be named, believes Sheikh Hasina truly wants to return. He said it would reward loyal party members and activists. However, Mahmudur Rahman Manna, a former Awami League leader and now a critic, called her announcement selfish. He said she should have allowed other popular party leaders to take charge.
Professor Mohammad Jalal Uddin Sikder believes Sheikh Hasina also aims to pressure Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. If she returns, she will almost certainly be arrested at the airport. Her return could stir up both her supporters and those against her. This could lead to violence and pressure on the government about her legal case.
Zahed Ur Rahman, an adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, said Bangladesh has asked India to send Sheikh Hasina back. He stated Bangladesh is ready to ensure justice.
Sheikh Hasina’s presence is a big problem for relations between Bangladesh and India. Bangladesh has asked India many times to send her back. India said it is studying the request through legal ways.
Despite this, relations between the two countries have improved recently. This happened after the election of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. India invited him to the BRICS summit in September.
Before Sheikh Hasina’s press conference, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it was not involved. They also said they did not support any views shared at the event. Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir had earlier asked India to stop such political activities. He warned it could harm good relations.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry strongly reacted after the event. They said India allowing the event was an insult to Bangladesh’s independence. Michael Kugelman noted India could have stopped the press conference. Dhaka might see this as India favoring its long-time political ally.
Improving relations between Bangladesh and India is an urgent matter. Both countries benefit from working together. India needs Bangladesh for border security and better travel links. India has taken steps to rebuild trust recently. This includes sending officials to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in. India also supplied diesel during an energy crisis.
The Ganges Water Sharing Treaty will end in December. Renewing this treaty is important for future relations. A new Teesta Water Sharing Treaty could also help. Both countries need to solve these water issues to build stronger ties.
