[🇧🇩] Extradition of Hasina, Awami Leaders/Beneficiaries and Related News.

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Govt wants to bring back Hasina through legal procedure: Salahuddin

BSS

Published :
May 21, 2026 19:28
Updated :
May 21, 2026 19:28

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said the government wants to bring back former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh through legal procedures and existing extradition mechanisms.

“We want Sheikh Hasina back through legal procedure. Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and under the existing extradition treaty, a formal request has been made for her return so that she can face the cases filed in Bangladesh,” he said.

Speaking at a press briefing on the country’s law and order situation at the Home Ministry’s conference room in Bangladesh Secretariat on Thursday, the minister said a formal request has already been sent through diplomatic channels for her return so that she can face legal proceedings in Bangladesh.

Responding to another question on India’s Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), the minister said those are entirely India’s internal matters.

“India’s CAA or Assam’s NRC are their own legal and administrative matters concerning their citizens. There is no scope for Bangladesh to comment on those issues,” he said.

However, the minister added that Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) remains on high alert along the border to prevent any kind of illegal infiltration or push-in.

He also said the government remains committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring justice through lawful and institutional processes.​

 

[Saif]

India may extradite Hasina: HM

Home minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday hoped that the Indian government would return ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries so that she could face trial.

www.newagebd.net

India may extradite Hasina: HM
Staff Correspondent 24 May, 2026, 16:42

Home affairs minister Salahuddin Ahmed addresses a dialogue organised by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum at Secretariat on Sunday. | UNB photo

Home minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday hoped that the Indian government would return ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries so that she could face trial.

‘We want her to face justice,’ he said while responding to questions from journalists at a dialogue organised by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum at the secretariat in Dhaka.

The minister said that the government had already communicated to India through diplomatic channels for her extradition.

‘We sent a letter to the Indian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeking her extradition long ago. We still expect that she will be returned from India in accordance with the legal procedures and the provisions of the extradition treaty between the two countries,’ he said.

Referring to the much-talked-about Ramisa rape-murder case, the minister said that the trial proceedings would be completed within the next five to seven days and the maximum punishment would be ensured for the offender.

He also said that the process of repealing the outdated Gambling Act of 1867 and enacting a modern law to prevent gambling, betting, and online gambling was at its final stage. The proposed bill would be placed in the next JS session for passage.

Highlighting the importance of free media, he said that an independent press is essential for social reform and progress.

However, he added, freedom of speech and the press should operate within reasonable restrictions in the interest of state security, public order, and national interest.

The minister also raised concerns over the misuse of social media, erosion of social values, and attempts to damage the country’s image through ‘fabricated narratives,’ urging media professionals to help raise public awareness.

Responding to a question on the passport policy, he said that the phrase ‘Except Israel’ would be reinstated in the upcoming new passports, calling it a longstanding public demand and a government decision.

On narcotics cases, he said that around 80,000 drug-related cases were pending in Dhaka alone, with many more in other districts, adding that special narcotics tribunals would be formed to reduce the case backlogs.

The dialogue was chaired by BSRF president Masudul Haque where Press Information Department principal information officer Sayed Abdal Ahmed was also present.

Sheikh Hasina, also Awami League president, fled to India amid a student-led mass uprising on August 5, 2024. She is accused in a number of cases filed over murders and corruption in Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

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How Bangladesh plans to extradite fugitive ex-IGP Benazir from UAE within 30 days

bdnews24.com

Published :
Jun 14, 2026 19:48
Updated :
Jun 14, 2026 19:48

Bangladesh is required to submit a formal extradition request within 30 days to secure the return of fugitive former inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, who has been arrested in the United Arab Emirates on an Interpol alert.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said he was hopeful that Benazir, who faces corruption charges in Bangladesh, could be brought back quickly once the required legal and diplomatic procedures are completed.

The minister told parliament on Sunday about Benazir’s arrest in the UAE.

In a statement under Rule 300 of the Rules of Procedure, he said the government had been informed through an email sent on Jun 12 by the National Central Bureau (NCB) Abu Dhabi under the UAE Ministry of Interior that Benazir had been arrested by local police and was currently in custody.

The home minister said Bangladesh’s NCB at Police Headquarters had requested Interpol to issue a notice for Benazir’s arrest.

Following that request, Interpol issued a Red Notice against him on Apr 11, 2025.

UAE authorities subsequently arrested him based on that notice.

Explaining the next steps, Salahuddin said: “NCB Abu Dhabi informed us that, under UAE federal law, a formal extradition request must be sent through diplomatic channels within 30 days from the date of arrest.”

He said the home ministry would prepare the necessary case documents, arrest warrants and investigation records before approving the extradition proposal. The formal request would then be sent to the UAE authorities through the foreign ministry.

“We will bring him back to Bangladesh as quickly as possible in coordination with NCB Abu Dhabi,” the minister said.

The Interpol Red Notice shows that it was issued against Benazir on Apr 11, 2025, under Control Number A-5174/4-2025.

The notice describes him as a “fugitive wanted for prosecution” and identifies him as both “dangerous” and an “escape risk”.

According to the Red Notice, Benazir submitted a wealth statement to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Aug 27, 2024, declaring assets worth Tk 114.23 million, including Tk 56.74 million in immovable property and Tk 57.49 million in movable assets.

However, ACC investigators later found evidence that he had concealed assets worth Tk 26.29 million and accumulated wealth worth Tk 94.46 million that was allegedly inconsistent with known sources of income.

Based on those findings, a case was filed against him under Sections 26(2) and 27(1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004.

On May 3 this year, a Dhaka court framed charges in the case and ordered the trial to begin.

The Red Notice also refers to alleged offences under Sections 4(2) and 4(3) of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012, as well as Section 109 of the Penal Code.

In connection with that case, Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court issued an arrest warrant against Benazir on Feb 12, 2025. The warrant later formed the basis for the Interpol Red Notice.

Apart from the illicit wealth case, Benazir also faces a separate passport fraud case.

The case, filed on Oct 14, 2024, includes charges under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471 and 109 of the Penal Code, Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947, and Section 11 of the Bangladesh Passport Order, 1973.

On Feb 20, 2025, the same court issued another arrest warrant against him following a petition by ACC Deputy Director Mohammad Zainal Abedin, the investigating officer in the case.

According to the court order, Benazir applied for passports on multiple occasions while serving as a government official, including as deputy inspector general, additional inspector general, director general of RAB and commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

The court said he falsely identified himself as a private-sector employee and obtained passports without securing the required departmental no-objection certificates, thereby acquiring them through fraudulent means.

As Benazir had already left the country, law-enforcing agencies were unable to arrest him.

The court therefore directed authorities to execute the warrant through Interpol with the assistance of the home ministry.

The home minister said the arrest demonstrated that no individual was above the law.​

“I want to assure the nation that no matter how powerful an offender may be, nobody is above the law,” he said.

 

[Saif]

Documents being prepared to bring Benazir Ahmed back to Bangladesh

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is preparing the necessary documentation to secure the return of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, who was recently arrested by Dubai Police in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The commission is finalising a formal request containing...

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Documents being prepared to bring Benazir Ahmed back to Bangladesh

Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 16 Jun 2026, 10: 57

Former inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed from Benazir's Facebook page

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is preparing the necessary documentation to secure the return of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, who was recently arrested by Dubai Police in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The commission is finalising a formal request containing evidence and documentation relating to multiple lawsuits against Benazir Ahmed, including allegations of corruption, illicit wealth accumulation, money laundering and passport fraud.

Once completed, the request will be transmitted through diplomatic channels via the Ministry of Home Affairs to the UAE government.

Benazir Ahmed was arrested in Dubai on 12 June. The UAE authorities subsequently informed the Bangladesh government of the arrest by email. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed disclosed the development in a statement delivered under Rule 300 in Parliament on Sunday.

According to the minister, Bangladesh must submit a formal request within 30 days of the arrest if it wishes to secure Benazir's return.

Benazir Ahmed left Bangladesh with his family on 4 May 2024. An Interpol Red Notice had previously been issued against him.

ACC preparing extradition request

Sources within the ACC said Benazir Ahmed currently faces six corruption and fraud cases.

Charge sheets have already been submitted in one case involving the acquisition of wealth beyond known sources of income. The commission is now compiling relevant case files, charge sheets, evidence, supporting documents and other records in preparation for sending the request to the UAE authorities.

An ACC official involved in the investigations, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Prothom Alo that some case files had been retained by the courts and have now been retrieved.

He added that the formal request is being prepared in both English and Arabic.

Meanwhile, ACC Deputy Director (Public Relations) Akhtarul Islam told a press briefing at the commission's headquarters in Segunbagicha on Monday that the request would be sent shortly.

Rise and fall of a powerful police chief

Benazir Ahmed served as Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) between 2010 and 2015 and later as Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) from 2015 to 2020 during the tenure of the Awami League government that was ultimately removed from power in the July mass uprising.

He was appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) in April 2020 and remained in the position until September 2022.

A native of Tungipara in Gopalganj district, Benazir was widely regarded as being close to the then-ruling Awami League, a factor that contributed to his appointment to several key positions within the country's law-enforcement apparatus.

On 10 December 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on RAB and seven current and former officials over allegations of serious human rights violations. Benazir Ahmed, then serving as IGP, was among those sanctioned.

He retired in 2022 and was not subsequently appointed to any major public office.

Corruption allegations against him emerged publicly in early 2024. Shortly after the ACC decided to investigate the allegations, he left the country.

Progress of the cases

One ACC case against Benazir Ahmed is currently under trial, while investigations continue into the remaining five.

In three of the six cases, Benazir is the principal accused. In the other three, the accused include his wife, Jeeshan Mirza, and daughters Farhin Rishta Binte Benazir and Tahsin Raisa Binte Benazir, with Benazir listed as a co-accused.

The trial in a case concerning alleged illicit wealth is currently underway before Dhaka Special Judge's Court-5.

The ACC submitted a charge sheet in that case on 30 November last year, alleging that Benazir accumulated approximately Tk 146.2 million (14.52 crore) in illegal assets.

On 8 March, the court accepted the charge sheet and issued an arrest warrant against him. AS he failed to appear before the court, proceedings commenced in absentia.

ACC prosecutor Mir Ahmed Ali Salam expressed optimism that the trial would conclude quickly.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, he said that testimony from five of the 38 listed witnesses had already been recorded and that the next hearing was scheduled for 23 June.

“If Benazir Ahmed is brought back to Bangladesh and contests the case in person, the witnesses will be cross-examined again. Thereafter, the judicial process will proceed accordingly,” he stated.

Separately, on 14 October 2024, the ACC filed a passport fraud case against Benazir and four others, alleging that he obtained a passport by falsely identifying himself as a private-sector employee while still serving as a government official.

The other accused in the case are former Dhaka Divisional Passport Office Director Md Fazlul Haque, former Director Munshi Mueed Ekram, Director Md Abdullah Al Mamun and Sahena Haque, Technical Manager of the e-passport project.

‘Benazir will be brought before the tribunal’

Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said on Monday that Benazir Ahmed would also be brought before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) if he is brought back to Bangladesh.

During a briefing at his office, Aminul Islam said several cases involving Benazir are currently under investigation and trial before the tribunal.

“If he is brought back to Bangladesh, he will also be produced before this tribunal. He will be presented in the cases that are currently being tried,” he said.

Status of assets

The ACC previously identified nearly 800 bighas of land, four flats in Gulshan, 33 bank accounts, shares in 19 companies, three beneficial owner (BO) accounts used for share trading and savings certificates worth Tk 3 million (30 lakh) held in the names of Benazir Ahmed and his family members.

Following ACC petitions, courts ordered the seizure of almost all of those assets.

A security guard at the building in Gulshan where Benazir owns four apartments told Prothom Alo on Monday, on condition of anonymity, that all four flats remain sealed by court order.

According to him, the combined monthly rental value of the apartments is approximately Tk 500,000.

Fate of the Savana Eco Resort

Benazir Ahmed established the Savana Eco Resort and Natural Park in Bairagi Tol village of Gopalganj Sadar Upazila.

On 10 June 2024, then Deputy Commissioner Kazi Mahbubul Alam visited the property. In accordance with court orders, the resort's ponds, water bodies, cottages, eco-resort facilities and other structures were formally attached and placed under state supervision.

Responsibility for agricultural land was assigned to the Department of Agricultural Extension, while ponds and water bodies were placed under the supervision of the district fisheries office.

On 1 February 2025, Suruchi Traders secured a one-year lease through a public tender process. The company paid Tk 3.85 million for leasing 20 ponds and Tk 6.65 million for operating the park.

On 1 February 2026, the company renewed only the park lease, agreeing to a 10 per cent increase and paying Tk 7.31 million. It declined to lease the ponds again after reportedly incurring losses during the previous year.

Md Mamunur Rahman, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Gopalganj, said notices had already been published in newspapers inviting bids for leasing the ponds.​

 

[Saif]

ACC begins process to bring back Benazir Ahmed from UAE

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Tuesday initiated the necessary process to bring back former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, who was recently arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), under the existing prisoner transfer framework. ACC Deputy Director Aktarul Islam confi

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ACC begins process to bring back Benazir Ahmed from UAE

FE ONLINE DESK

Published :
Jun 17, 2026 09:11
Updated :
Jun 17, 2026 09:27

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Tuesday initiated the necessary process to bring back former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, who was recently arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), under the existing prisoner transfer framework.

ACC Deputy Director Aktarul Islam confirmed the development to journalists, according to a UNB report.

According to ACC officials, the required documents have already been handed over to Bangladesh's National Central Bureau (NCB), which is coordinating the extradition process with the relevant authorities.

As part of the legal and diplomatic efforts, two representatives of the NCB visited the ACC headquarters on Tuesday and held discussions with ACC officials regarding the ongoing cases against Benazir Ahmed, arrest warrants issued by the courts, judicial orders and other necessary documentation.

ACC officials said details of the corruption and illicit wealth accumulation cases filed against the former police chief, along with court orders and supporting documents, have been provided to the NCB. The documents will be sent through diplomatic channels via the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the relevant authorities in the UAE.

The extradition efforts are being pursued under bilateral extradition arrangements and international legal cooperation mechanisms, officials added.

Earlier, Home Adviser Salahuddin Ahmed informed Parliament on Sunday that UAE police arrested Benazir Ahmed on June 12 and that he is currently in custody there. Under UAE federal law, a formal extradition request must be submitted through diplomatic channels within 30 days of the arrest. Relevant government agencies are now preparing the required documents to meet the deadline.

Benazir Ahmed, a former police chief, is facing multiple cases involving corruption, money laundering and passport forgery. An Interpol Red Notice was issued against him on April 11, 2025, following a request from Bangladesh Police Headquarters.

He was reportedly arrested on June 12 while transiting through Dubai International Airport after arriving from London. Authorities allegedly identified his location through an artificial intelligence-based surveillance system, leading to his detention.​

 

[Saif]

Process to bring back former IGP Benazir from UAE moving quickly: Home Minister

The process to bring back former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, who was arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is progressing rapidly, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said. He made the remarks while briefing reporters after awarding 15 police members with certificates, financ

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Process to bring back former IGP Benazir from UAE moving quickly: Home Minister

UNB

Published :
Jun 20, 2026 19:28
Updated :
Jun 20, 2026 19:28

The process to bring back former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, who was arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is progressing rapidly, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said.

He made the remarks while briefing reporters after awarding 15 police members with certificates, financial rewards and special recognition for their dedication, bravery and public service in four separate incidents at the Home Ministry conference room at Bangladesh Secretariat on Saturday.

Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Monzur Morshed Chowdhury, Inspector General of Police Ali Hossain Fakir and senior officials of the ministry and police were present at the event.

The minister said UAE Federal Police arrested Benazir Ahmed based on an Interpol Red Notice and the UAE authorities had given 30 days to submit necessary documents for the next legal process. However, the Home Ministry prepared, translated and sent 144 pages of required documents through diplomatic channels to the UAE government within only three days.

He said Abu Dhabi’s Federal National Central Bureau informed Bangladesh’s NCB through email on June 12 that the accused had been arrested following Bangladesh’s request based on the Red Notice.

The minister also described the four incidents for which 15 police personnel were honoured, including Traffic Constable Mohammad Kamruzzaman, who received recognition for clearing plastic waste from a drainage outlet at Kuril Bishwa Road flyover during heavy rain to reduce public suffering.

He said the Home Ministry has introduced a “punishment and reward” policy under which sincere and honest police members are rewarded while those involved in negligence, inactivity or corruption face departmental action.

Regarding crime-prone areas in Dhaka, including Mohammadpur, the minister said such areas cannot be made crime-free overnight, but the ministry has prepared specific plans that will be implemented gradually to eliminate criminal activities.

The four award-winning incidents included exemplary traffic police service to reduce public suffering, arrest of armed muggers in Adabor, solving the sensational mother-daughter murder case in Anwara, and bringing suspects in a robbery and gang rape case in Chakaria to justice.

The honoured police members included officers and constables from different units for their outstanding contributions in these cases.​

 

[Saif]

Efforts on to bring Hasina back to face trial: Shama Obaed

MEA says process under judicial and internal review

www.thedailystar.net

Efforts on to bring Hasina back to face trial: Shama Obaed

MEA says process under judicial and internal review

UNB, Dhaka

Shama Obaed. File Photo: BSS

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam yesterday said the people of Bangladesh want former prime minister Sheikh Hasina extradited, and efforts are underway to bring her back to the country to face trial.

"Of course, we should bring her back to Bangladesh and complete the trial. That is what the people of Bangladesh want. Work is underway for that purpose," she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when asked about Hasina's recent remarks.

The state minister, however, said there is nothing new to disclose at this moment.

Responding to another question, Shama Obaed said Bangladesh maintains relations with all nations, and each relationship is unique.

"We will have relations with China. We will have relations with all countries. And I don't think that if relations with one country are good, relations with another country will be bad," she said.

The state minister said the government's goal is to safeguard Bangladesh's national interests by maintaining good relations with all countries. "This is our goal," she added.

Reiterating its desire to engage constructively, India on April 17 said they are examining the request for former Hasina’s extradition as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes.

"There is a request... the request is being examined as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes," the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in New Delhi, noting that they will continue to engage constructively on the issue with all the stakeholders.

Bangladesh, on April 8, reiterated its request to extradite Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to Bangladesh, who have been awarded the death penalty by the International Crimes Tribunal.

"We will continue to seek her extradition through a transparent judicial process. It (the extradition request) has been discussed. It will be dealt with through a transparent judicial process," Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir told reporters recently in Dhaka.​

 

[Saif]

How realistic is Sheikh Hasina's announcement of returning to Bangladesh in December?

Deposed Prime Minister and President of the Awami League, Sheikh Hasina, has announced that she plans to return to Bangladesh next December and surrender before the court. She has also called on party leaders living in exile to return to the country with her. However, there is uncertainty even...

en.prothomalo.com

How realistic is Sheikh Hasina's announcement of returning to Bangladesh in December?

Anowar Hossain
Dhaka
Published: 11 Jul 2026, 02: 52

Deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina File Photo

Deposed Prime Minister and President of the Awami League, Sheikh Hasina, has announced that she plans to return to Bangladesh next December and surrender before the court. She has also called on party leaders living in exile to return to the country with her.

However, there is uncertainty even within Awami League about whether this is a genuine plan or a political strategy to revive the party's activities. Many party leaders say that beyond the question of whether Sheikh Hasina herself will return, the bigger issue is how many leaders and activists would ultimately be willing to take such a risk under the current political circumstances.

Last Thursday night, Sheikh Hasina gave a telephone interview to the UK-based news agency Reuters. During the interview, she specifically stated that she intends to return to Bangladesh next December.

On 5 August 2024, she was removed from power amid a mass uprising led by students and the public and subsequently fled to India, bringing an end to her uninterrupted rule of more than 15 and a half years.

According to a United Nations report, nearly 1,400 people were killed during the mass uprising in July and August.

After Sheikh Hasina left the country, many of Awami League's senior leaders, former ministers in her government, party members of parliament, and numerous grassroots activists went into hiding. Later, photos and videos emerged showing many of them in India, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and various European countries. Many leaders and activists who remained in Bangladesh were arrested.

In May of last year, Awami League's activities were banned. Since then, the party's political activities have been largely confined to the online sphere. Apart from that, there have been a few scattered flash demonstrations, which are generally viewed less as evidence of the party's organisational strength than as attempts to signal that it still exists.

In an interview with Reuters, Sheikh Hasina said that she and other Awami League leaders wanted to return to Bangladesh voluntarily and surrender before the courts. She said: "I have to return. My party's leaders and activists are facing severe repression. If death comes, I want to die on my own soil—where my parents are buried and where their blood was shed."

However, according to senior Awami League sources, the December timeline may also be symbolic. It could be part of a strategy to energise party members, build pressure for the lifting of the ban on the party, and reclaim political space.

In May of last year, Awami League's activities were banned. Since then, the party's political activities have been largely confined to the online sphere.

Earlier, in an interview with India's NDTV on 28 June, Sheikh Hasina had also said she intended to return to Bangladesh within the current year. Her remarks were widely reported in Indian and international media. Following several internal online meetings of the Awami League last week, discussions spread among party members that she had mentioned returning in December.

According to several Awami League leaders, after the 13th National Parliamentary Election on 12 February, Sheikh Hasina frequently urged party leaders and activists living abroad to return to Bangladesh. However, no prominent leader has responded to her appeal so far. Instead, many have left India for other countries due to concerns about security and possible arrest.

Anti-quota movement. File Photo: Prothom Alo

After Sheikh Hasina left the country, the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus governed Bangladesh for approximately one and a half years. During this period, hundreds of murder cases were filed against Sheikh Hasina, senior Awami League leaders, and many members of the law enforcement agencies. The International Crimes Tribunal also began proceedings against Sheikh Hasina and several other party leaders.

On 17 November last year, Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal were sentenced to death in a case involving crimes against humanity. Several other cases against them are also currently pending.

Following the death sentence, the interim government sent a letter to the Indian government requesting the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and the other convicted individuals. Although India said it was examining the matter, no public progress has been made regarding extradition. The current BNP-led government has also stated that it intends to bring Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh to enforce the court's verdict. Her continued stay in New Delhi and Bangladesh's extradition request have significantly affected relations between the two countries.

Strategy or mere rhetoric?
After news of Sheikh Hasina's announcement that she would return to Bangladesh became public, this reporter spoke with several Awami League leaders who remain in hiding. Most said they were unaware of any concrete political strategy or preparations behind the announcement.

With nearly five months remaining before December, much will depend on the country's political situation, the position of the ruling BNP government, the attitudes of opposition parties such as Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP), and the role of the international community.

Sheikh Hasina's remarks are capable of creating unrest and that the government is viewing the entire issue strictly from a legal standpoint---------Zahir Uddin Swapan, Information and Broadcasting Minister.

A senior Awami League leader, speaking to Prothom Alo on condition of anonymity, said that Sheikh Hasina has been the party's president for 44 years and maintains extensive international connections. She is also fully aware of the party's current fragile condition. Nevertheless, since she has publicly stated that she will return, she may have her own preparations in place. However, what preparations the party itself has made, and what strategy it intends to follow, remain unclear.

He also expressed doubts about how effectively the party can organise publicly or exert pressure on the government while its activities remain banned.

The leader further said that many party members who have substantial financial resources and security abroad are unlikely to return to Bangladesh and face imprisonment simply because Sheikh Hasina has called on them to do so. In his view, they are more likely to wait until the political environment becomes more favorable. As a result, although Sheikh Hasina's announcement may inspire strong emotions among party members, there remains considerable uncertainty over whether it will lead to a large-scale collective return.

Sheikh Hasina resigned as prime minister and left the country for India on 5 August 2024. Collected

In her Reuters interview, Sheikh Hasina said that although the Bangladesh government is asking India to extradite her, she intends to return to Bangladesh of her own accord.

She added, "Almost all of our leaders and activists have cases filed against them, and many are in hiding. So I have told them, 'This time I am returning to Bangladesh. One day, all of you should come as well. We will all surrender before the court together.'"

Expressing confidence in the judicial system, Sheikh Hasina said, "Once the legal proceedings begin, people will realise what a farce this court is. And that is exactly what I want to prove."

How much confidence does she really have in the people?
In her interview with Reuters, Sheikh Hasina said that any government that remains in power for a long time is bound to make mistakes, and that it is the people who have the right to judge both the successes and failures of her administration.

She also said that even if she is convicted or barred from contesting elections, Awami League should not remain banned. According to her, it is the people, not the government, who should decide the party's future.

As part of efforts to reorganise Awami League, she claimed to have held online meetings with party leaders and activists from 125 of Bangladesh's 300 parliamentary constituencies.

A flash demonstration was held in Kishoreganj under the banner of the District Awami League. File Photo: Screengrab from video

However, despite speaking about leaving the judgment to the people, Sheikh Hasina has not publicly expressed regret over the killings that occurred during the student-led mass uprising. Instead, she and other Awami League leaders continue to portray the movement as the result of domestic and foreign conspiracies and have maintained an aggressive tone toward the leaders of the uprising.

As a result, while her announcement of returning to Bangladesh signals an attempt at political comeback, it has not been accompanied by any indication of self-criticism or acknowledgment of responsibility for past events.

Reaction in the political arena

For several months, there has been a steady stream of statements regarding Sheikh Hasina's possible return to Bangladesh and the political comeback of Awami League. Indian media, including outlets considered close to the Indian government, have prominently covered the issue.

Some political analysts believe that statements about Sheikh Hasina's return may have some level of support or coordination from certain authorities in India.

Sheikh Hasina's continued stay in New Delhi and Bangladesh's extradition request have significantly affected relations between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh is marking the second anniversary of the student-led mass uprising. Against this backdrop, Sheikh Hasina's remarks about returning have already generated political reactions within the country.

Political analysts believe that the timing of her announcement was influenced by the anniversary of the uprising as well as BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman's visit to China.

At the same time, Sheikh Hasina's continued stay in India remains one of the principal obstacles to normalising relations between Bangladesh and India, although India appears interested in advancing bilateral relations without making her presence the central issue.

"The government Is treating the matter strictly as a legal issue"

Nahid Islam, a leading figure in the July Movement and convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), told journalists on Friday, "Today we saw in an interview that someone is planning to return to the country in December. The country has already suffered from 16 years of destruction. Now we also want her to return—so that the death sentence can be carried out."

Asked about Sheikh Hasina's interview, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan told Prothom Alo that the entire matter falls under the jurisdiction of the law.

He noted that the International Crimes Tribunal has prohibited the broadcast of Sheikh Hasina's statements and expressed confidence that the country's media would respect the court's order.

The minister further said that Sheikh Hasina's remarks are capable of creating unrest and that the government is viewing the entire issue strictly from a legal standpoint.​