Ousted Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina, who is living in exile in India after being sentenced to death in Bangladesh and her Awami League party being banned, has said in an interview that she and senior party leaders voluntarily plan to return around December and surrender in court, adding that she faces a risk to her life and may be killed but would still go back to her home country.&nbsp;The 78-year-old leader told Reuters that she and other Awami League leaders want to return to the country and present themselves in court.“They may arrest me on my return, they may even kill me. Still, I have to go,” said Hasina.“My party leaders and workers are being subjected to tremendous repression. If death comes, I want it to come on my own soil, where my parents are buried and where their blood was shed.”&nbsp;<h2>Bangladesh’s war crimes court sentenced Hasina to death in absentia</h2>&nbsp;Hasina fled Bangladesh in 2024 after protests ended her 20 years in power across terms. In November, Bangladesh’s war crimes court sentenced her to death in absentia for ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is the first time Hasina has announced a timeline for her return with other exiled Awami League leaders including former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who also faces a death sentence.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-hiv-outbreak-health-minister-mustafa-kamal-blames-night-party-goers-for-child-infections-1783677297132">Pakistan HIV outbreak: Health Minister Mustafa Kamal blames 'night party goers' for infections</a>&nbsp;“The authorities in Dhaka want to take me back, they are repeatedly sending letters to India seeking to have me sent back,” she said. “I will go myself.”&nbsp;India’s foreign ministry had said in April that it was examining Bangladesh’s extradition request and wanted to “engage constructively with the new government and further strengthen bilateral ties.”&nbsp;Hasina entered politics after the assassination of her father, the country’s founding leader, and much of her family in a military coup.She was credited with helping transform the economy of the Muslim-majority nation but faced accusations that her government suppressed dissent and weakened democratic institutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Cases filed against almost all of our leaders and workers’</h2>&nbsp;“Cases have been filed against almost all of our leaders and workers, and many of them are in hiding,” Hasina told Reuters. “So I said that this time I am returning home, and one day, all of you should come. All together, we will all surrender in court,” she said but did not share any specific date for her return.“I believe in justice and I feel that once proceedings start, it will be clear to the people how farcical the court is — and that I want to prove it.”&nbsp;Hasina said she had not held any talks with the authorities in Dhaka about her plans.“Democracy, voting rights, the political rights of the Awami League, and justice are not subjects for secret talks.”She also said she was not concerned about her probable imprisonment, saying she had been arrested several times before.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-cm-vijay-blames-karur-police-for-41-stampede-deaths-alleges-conspiracy-1781171238989">CM Vijay blames Karur Police for 41 stampede deaths, alleges conspiracy</a><h2>‘When a government works for a long time, mistakes can happen‘</h2>&nbsp;Hasina said she fled Bangladesh in 2024 because of threats to her life as crowds advanced toward her residence.“When a government works for a long time, mistakes can happen, no government is above error,” she said. “But the right to judge the good and bad, the right and wrong of a government belongs to the people. I leave that judgment to the people.”&nbsp;“They may have convicted me, and I may not be able to contest elections. But why should they suspend the Awami League? If we have done badly, let the people decide,” she said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sheikh-hasina-announces-return-former-bangladesh-pm-sets-december-deadline-1783681049002/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/sheikh-hasina-announces-return-former-bangladesh-pm-sets-december-deadline-1783681049002/embed</a>&nbsp;

Ousted Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina said that when a government works for a long time, it can make mistakes, but the right to judge the government rests with the people. Hasina added that she may be arrested on her return or even be killed, but will still go.

Ousted Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina, who is living in exile in India after being sentenced to death in Bangladesh and her Awami League party being banned, has said in an interview that she and senior party leaders voluntarily plan to return around December and surrender in court, adding that she faces a risk to her life and may be killed but would still go back to her home country. The 78-year-old leader told Reuters that she and other Awami League leaders want to return to the country and present themselves in court. “They may arrest me on my return, they may even kill me. Still, I have to go,” said Hasina. “My party leaders and workers are being subjected to tremendous repression. If death comes, I want it to come on my own soil, where my parents are buried and where their blood was shed.” Bangladesh’s war crimes court sentenced Hasina to death in absentia Hasina fled Bangladesh in 2024 after protests ended her 20 years in power across terms. In November, Bangladesh’s war crimes court sentenced her to death in absentia for ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising. This is the first time Hasina has announced a timeline for her return with other exiled Awami League leaders including former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who also faces a death sentence. Also Read: Pakistan HIV outbreak: Health Minister Mustafa Kamal blames 'night party goers' for infections “The authorities in Dhaka want to take me back, they are repeatedly sending letters to India seeking to have me sent back,” she said. “I will go myself.” India’s foreign ministry had said in April that it was examining Bangladesh’s extradition request and wanted to “engage constructively with the new government and further strengthen bilateral ties.” Hasina entered politics after the assassination of her father, the country’s founding leader, and much of her family in a military coup. She was credited with helping transform the economy of the Muslim-majority nation but faced accusations that her government suppressed dissent and weakened democratic institutions. ‘Cases filed against almost all of our leaders and workers’ “Cases have been filed against almost all of our leaders and workers, and many of them are in hiding,” Hasina told Reuters. “So I said that this time I am returning home, and one day, all of you should come. All together, we will all surrender in court,” she said but did not share any specific date for her return. “I believe in justice and I feel that once proceedings start, it will be clear to the people how farcical the court is — and that I want to prove it.” Hasina said she had not held any talks with the authorities in Dhaka about her plans. “Democracy, voting rights, the political rights of the Awami League, and justice are not subjects for secret talks.” She also said she was not concerned about her probable imprisonment, saying she had been arrested several times before. Also Read: CM Vijay blames Karur Police for 41 stampede deaths, alleges conspiracy ‘When a government works for a long time, mistakes can happen‘ Hasina said she fled Bangladesh in 2024 because of threats to her life as crowds advanced toward her residence. “When a government works for a long time, mistakes can happen, no government is above error,” she said. “But the right to judge the good and bad, the right and wrong of a government belongs to the people. I leave that judgment to the people.” “They may have convicted me, and I may not be able to contest elections. But why should they suspend the Awami League? If we have done badly, let the people decide,” she said. https://www.wionews.com/videos/sheikh-hasina-announces-return-former-bangladesh-pm-sets-december-deadline-1783681049002/embed

Ousted Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina said that when a government works for a long time, it can make mistakes, but the right to judge the government rests with the people. Hasina added that she may be arrested on her return or even be killed, but will still go.

‘Want death to come on my own soil’: Sheikh Hasina says will return, surrender in December

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday (Feb 10) urged citizens to actively participate in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections and the referendum on the July National Charter. He described the twin polls as a defining moment that could fundamentally reshape the country’s political future and democratic framework.&nbsp;In a televised address to the nation, two days ahead of the general elections, Yunus said Bangladesh stands at a crucial “historic and future-defining” juncture after years of political turmoil and an uprising that led to the current situation.&nbsp;The 13th general elections are scheduled for February 12, nearly 18 months after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a violent uprising in August 2024, which ended her 15-year tenure.&nbsp;The Chief Adviser hailed the elections as one of the largest participatory contests in Bangladesh’s history, with 51 political parties and more than 2,000 candidates. He emphasised that the broad-based participation reflects a renewed political awakening and a strong public desire for change.<h2>Promises peaceful transfer of power</h2>The Nobel laureate urged political parties and candidates to place national interest above personal and partisan benefits. He rejected claims that the interim government intends to cling to power, calling them propaganda, and assured that the administration’s mandate would end once democratically elected representatives assume office.&nbsp;Yunus said the interim government is prepared to hand over power swiftly and “with pride” after the election process concludes.&nbsp;Emphasising the importance of the referendum on the July National Charter, he described it as a landmark democratic exercise that empowers citizens to directly decide whether to endorse a reform framework developed through consultations with more than 30 political parties.&nbsp;However, critics have accused the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of pursuing a political vendetta against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Her party, the Awami League, has been banned from carrying out political activities and from participating in the February 12 elections.&nbsp;Hasina was ousted following a series of violent nationwide protests involving arson, clashes with security forces, multiple deaths, and widespread unrest. The turmoil paralysed Bangladesh’s political and administrative system and led to the installation of a Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.

Critics have accused the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of pursuing a political vendetta against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Her party, the Awami League, has been banned from carrying out political activities and from participating in the February 12 elections.

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday (Feb 10) urged citizens to actively participate in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections and the referendum on the July National Charter. He described the twin polls as a defining moment that could fundamentally reshape the country’s political future and democratic framework. In a televised address to the nation, two days ahead of the general elections, Yunus said Bangladesh stands at a crucial “historic and future-defining” juncture after years of political turmoil and an uprising that led to the current situation. The 13th general elections are scheduled for February 12, nearly 18 months after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a violent uprising in August 2024, which ended her 15-year tenure. The Chief Adviser hailed the elections as one of the largest participatory contests in Bangladesh’s history, with 51 political parties and more than 2,000 candidates. He emphasised that the broad-based participation reflects a renewed political awakening and a strong public desire for change. Promises peaceful transfer of power The Nobel laureate urged political parties and candidates to place national interest above personal and partisan benefits. He rejected claims that the interim government intends to cling to power, calling them propaganda, and assured that the administration’s mandate would end once democratically elected representatives assume office. Yunus said the interim government is prepared to hand over power swiftly and “with pride” after the election process concludes. Emphasising the importance of the referendum on the July National Charter, he described it as a landmark democratic exercise that empowers citizens to directly decide whether to endorse a reform framework developed through consultations with more than 30 political parties. However, critics have accused the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of pursuing a political vendetta against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Her party, the Awami League, has been banned from carrying out political activities and from participating in the February 12 elections. Hasina was ousted following a series of violent nationwide protests involving arson, clashes with security forces, multiple deaths, and widespread unrest. The turmoil paralysed Bangladesh’s political and administrative system and led to the installation of a Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.

Critics have accused the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of pursuing a political vendetta against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Her party, the Awami League, has been banned from carrying out political activities and from participating in the February 12 elections.

Yunus vows peaceful transfer of power, hails upcoming election as defining moment for Bangladesh

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (Dec 22) rejected calls for her return to the country amid ongoing legal proceedings, calling the action against her "politically motivated" and saying she will not return to Dhaka under the current circumstances. In an email interview with ANI, Hasina said the case against her amounted to a "political assassination," arguing that the legal process lacked independence and fairness. "You cannot demand my return to face my political assassination," she said, adding that she would only return once Bangladesh has a legitimate government and an independent judiciary.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hindu-rickshaw-puller-wearing-red-thread-branded-raw-agent-assaulted-by-mob-in-bangladesh-1766322679454">Hindu rickshaw puller wearing red thread assaulted by mob in Bangladesh</a><h2>Hasina challenges the Yunus government</h2>Hasina directly challenged Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to take the matter to The Hague, saying she was confident an independent international court would acquit her. She described the verdict delivered by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal as a "political assassination in judicial robes."The former prime minister said she was denied basic legal rights, including the freedom to appoint lawyers of her choice. According to her, the tribunal was used to carry out a "witch hunt" against the Awami League.<h2>ICT ruling against Sheikh Hasina</h2>In November, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1, found former President Sheikh Hasina guilty of "crimes against humanity" linked to the July–August 2024 uprising. Local media, including the Dhaka Tribune, reported that the tribunal convicted her on all five charges and imposed the death penalty. The judgement also named former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, accusing them of enabling atrocities during the unrest.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-student-leader-murder-who-is-faisal-karim-masud-the-alleged-shooter-and-man-behind-the-political-unrest-1766298522677">Bangladesh violence: Who is Faisal Karim Masud, the alleged killer of Hadi?</a>Hasina said the verdict had triggered demands for her extradition, which she dismissed as coming from what she called "an increasingly desperate and adrift Yunus administration". At the same time, she claimed that many observers viewed the proceedings as those of a "kangaroo tribunal."Despite her criticism, Hasina said she still believes in Bangladesh’s constitutional foundations. "Our constitutional tradition is strong," she said. "When legitimate governance is restored and our judiciary regains its independence, justice will prevail."<h2>Hasina thanks India</h2>Hasina also addressed her departure from Bangladesh, saying she left to prevent further bloodshed, not to evade accountability. She also thanked New Delhi for its continued hospitality and the support extended by political parties across India. &nbsp;

Exiled former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has refused to return to Dhaka, calling the case against her a “political assassination.” Rejecting the ICT verdict, she claimed that the death sentence was biased.

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (Dec 22) rejected calls for her return to the country amid ongoing legal proceedings, calling the action against her "politically motivated" and saying she will not return to Dhaka under the current circumstances. In an email interview with ANI, Hasina said the case against her amounted to a "political assassination," arguing that the legal process lacked independence and fairness. "You cannot demand my return to face my political assassination," she said, adding that she would only return once Bangladesh has a legitimate government and an independent judiciary. Also read | Hindu rickshaw puller wearing red thread assaulted by mob in Bangladesh Hasina challenges the Yunus government Hasina directly challenged Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to take the matter to The Hague, saying she was confident an independent international court would acquit her. She described the verdict delivered by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal as a "political assassination in judicial robes." The former prime minister said she was denied basic legal rights, including the freedom to appoint lawyers of her choice. According to her, the tribunal was used to carry out a "witch hunt" against the Awami League. ICT ruling against Sheikh Hasina In November, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1, found former President Sheikh Hasina guilty of "crimes against humanity" linked to the July–August 2024 uprising. Local media, including the Dhaka Tribune, reported that the tribunal convicted her on all five charges and imposed the death penalty. The judgement also named former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, accusing them of enabling atrocities during the unrest. Also read | Bangladesh violence: Who is Faisal Karim Masud, the alleged killer of Hadi? Hasina said the verdict had triggered demands for her extradition, which she dismissed as coming from what she called "an increasingly desperate and adrift Yunus administration". At the same time, she claimed that many observers viewed the proceedings as those of a "kangaroo tribunal." Despite her criticism, Hasina said she still believes in Bangladesh’s constitutional foundations. "Our constitutional tradition is strong," she said. "When legitimate governance is restored and our judiciary regains its independence, justice will prevail." Hasina thanks India Hasina also addressed her departure from Bangladesh, saying she left to prevent further bloodshed, not to evade accountability. She also thanked New Delhi for its continued hospitality and the support extended by political parties across India.

Exiled former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has refused to return to Dhaka, calling the case against her a “political assassination.” Rejecting the ICT verdict, she claimed that the death sentence was biased.

They want my 'political assassination': Hasina refuses return to Bangladesh, thanks India for continued hospitality

Bangladesh's interim government has written to Indian authorities demanding the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and former interior minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal after both were sentenced to death by the nation’s International Crimes Tribunal for “crimes against humanity” linked to last year's student-led protests, citing India's obligation under the India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty (2013). What are India's options? Does it have to comply with Bangladesh under the treaty?&nbsp;According to the India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty, a request can only be made if the individual has been charged, accused or convicted of an extraditable offence. Since an arrest warrant has been issued against Hasina in connection with "crimes against humanity," this makes Dhaka eligible to send an extradition request to India, which it has made.&nbsp;But Article 1 and Article 2 of the treaty address dual criminality, meaning the alleged offence must be punishable under the domestic laws of both countries. India interprets "crime against humanity" charges differently, and mostly in the context of international tribunals rather than domestic political events. This gives India a space where it can argue that the charged offence does not fit the definition according to its own legal system.&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-it-would-be-an-act-of-unfriendly-behaviour-bangladesh-asks-india-to-extradite-former-pm-hasina-modi-yunus-intrim-goverment-1763380213318"> “It would be an act of unfriendly behaviour”: Bangladesh asks India to extradite Former PM Hasina</a>&nbsp;Article 6(1) of the treaty provides another window to India, which clearly states that extradition may be refused if the alleged offence is considered an "offence of a political character", which fits perfectly with the present political scenario in Bangladesh, as Hasina was forcibly ousted from the Prime Minister post and the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has a poor reputation in treating political opponents and dissenters, which explains the fast-track conviction of Sheikh Hasina where the verdict was issued within a year.&nbsp;The Yunus government may invoke Article 6 (2), which provides an exception for offences of a political nature. But for this to work, the Bangladeshi government has to prove the charges were brought in good faith, which will be a near-impossible task for the interim government.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sheikh-hasina-s-death-penalty-sham-verdict-by-undemocratic-regime-says-son-sajeeb-wazed-wion-exclusive-1763392005230">Sheikh Hasina's death penalty: ‘Sham verdict’ by ‘undemocratic regime’, says son Sajeeb Wazed | WION Exclusive</a>&nbsp;With the treaty being bilateral in nature, there is no neutral mechanism to address disputes arising from the treaty. The United Nations cannot intervene in the implementation of a bilateral extradition treaty, and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) can only hear cases with the consent of both governments.&nbsp;Apart from the treaty, India's own Extradition Act 1962 provides ample legal space in matters related to individuals who were charged in offences which are political in nature.

Yunus-led interim government has sought the extradition of Sheikh Hasina under the 2013 treaty. However, dual criminality, political-offence exceptions, and India’s Extradition Act give New Delhi strong grounds to refuse.

Bangladesh's interim government has written to Indian authorities demanding the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and former interior minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal after both were sentenced to death by the nation’s International Crimes Tribunal for “crimes against humanity” linked to last year's student-led protests, citing India's obligation under the India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty (2013). What are India's options? Does it have to comply with Bangladesh under the treaty? According to the India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty, a request can only be made if the individual has been charged, accused or convicted of an extraditable offence. Since an arrest warrant has been issued against Hasina in connection with "crimes against humanity," this makes Dhaka eligible to send an extradition request to India, which it has made. But Article 1 and Article 2 of the treaty address dual criminality, meaning the alleged offence must be punishable under the domestic laws of both countries. India interprets "crime against humanity" charges differently, and mostly in the context of international tribunals rather than domestic political events. This gives India a space where it can argue that the charged offence does not fit the definition according to its own legal system. Also Read: “It would be an act of unfriendly behaviour”: Bangladesh asks India to extradite Former PM Hasina Article 6(1) of the treaty provides another window to India, which clearly states that extradition may be refused if the alleged offence is considered an "offence of a political character", which fits perfectly with the present political scenario in Bangladesh, as Hasina was forcibly ousted from the Prime Minister post and the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has a poor reputation in treating political opponents and dissenters, which explains the fast-track conviction of Sheikh Hasina where the verdict was issued within a year. The Yunus government may invoke Article 6 (2), which provides an exception for offences of a political nature. But for this to work, the Bangladeshi government has to prove the charges were brought in good faith, which will be a near-impossible task for the interim government. Also Read: Sheikh Hasina's death penalty: ‘Sham verdict’ by ‘undemocratic regime’, says son Sajeeb Wazed | WION Exclusive With the treaty being bilateral in nature, there is no neutral mechanism to address disputes arising from the treaty. The United Nations cannot intervene in the implementation of a bilateral extradition treaty, and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) can only hear cases with the consent of both governments. Apart from the treaty, India's own Extradition Act 1962 provides ample legal space in matters related to individuals who were charged in offences which are political in nature.

Yunus-led interim government has sought the extradition of Sheikh Hasina under the 2013 treaty. However, dual criminality, political-offence exceptions, and India’s Extradition Act give New Delhi strong grounds to refuse.

Does India have to extradite Hasina under the 2013 treaty with Bangladesh? What are New Delhi’s options?

On Monday (Nov 17), Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death. The decision comes after finding Hasina guilty of "crimes against humanity”. The tribunal noted that she ordered killings and also mentioned that she incited violence during the uprising in the country in 2024. She fled the country and reportedly stays in Indian capital New Delhi ever since. And in response to this, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “India has noted the verdict announced by the "International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh" concerning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”&nbsp;The statement added, “As a close neighbour, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country. We will always engage constructively with all stakeholders to that end.”&nbsp;Sajeeb Wazed, the son of Bangladesh’s ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, has denounced the death sentence handed down to his mother as a “complete sham” orchestrated by an “unelected and undemocratic regime.” Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Wazed, who lives in the United States, said the trial was rushed in under 100 days after laws were amended without parliamentary approval.<h2>Sheikh Hasina's son's reaction to the ruling:</h2><ul><li>The verdict is a sham. You have a regime that is completely unelected and undemocratic. They had to amend the laws to fast-track this trial, which you cannot amend the law without parliament. A trial of this historic nature was conducted within 100 days; that's impossible. My mother wasn't even allowed to select her own attorneys. Our attorneys were barred from going to the courts at all, and she was defended by a public defender. So this was a sham trial. We knew what the verdict was going to be. Everybody knew what the verdict was going to be.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li>Right now, there is no rule of law in Bangladesh. This regime is doing everything completely legally, and the courts are rubber-stamping everything. So right now, there's no point in trying to do anything. There's no legal Avenue. But in the future, when the rule of law returns, because everything in this trial was done so illegally, it will all get thrown out.</li></ul>

In response to this, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “India has noted the verdict announced by the "International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh" concerning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”

On Monday (Nov 17), Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death. The decision comes after finding Hasina guilty of "crimes against humanity”. The tribunal noted that she ordered killings and also mentioned that she incited violence during the uprising in the country in 2024. She fled the country and reportedly stays in Indian capital New Delhi ever since. And in response to this, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “India has noted the verdict announced by the "International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh" concerning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.” The statement added, “As a close neighbour, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country. We will always engage constructively with all stakeholders to that end.” Sajeeb Wazed, the son of Bangladesh’s ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, has denounced the death sentence handed down to his mother as a “complete sham” orchestrated by an “unelected and undemocratic regime.” Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Wazed, who lives in the United States, said the trial was rushed in under 100 days after laws were amended without parliamentary approval. Sheikh Hasina's son's reaction to the ruling: The verdict is a sham. You have a regime that is completely unelected and undemocratic. They had to amend the laws to fast-track this trial, which you cannot amend the law without parliament. A trial of this historic nature was conducted within 100 days; that's impossible. My mother wasn't even allowed to select her own attorneys. Our attorneys were barred from going to the courts at all, and she was defended by a public defender. So this was a sham trial. We knew what the verdict was going to be. Everybody knew what the verdict was going to be. Right now, there is no rule of law in Bangladesh. This regime is doing everything completely legally, and the courts are rubber-stamping everything. So right now, there's no point in trying to do anything. There's no legal Avenue. But in the future, when the rule of law returns, because everything in this trial was done so illegally, it will all get thrown out.

In response to this, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “India has noted the verdict announced by the "International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh" concerning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”

'India remains committed to best interests of Bangladesh': MEA responds to tribunal's ruling on Sheikh Hasina

Sheikh Hasina's downfall, escape to India and conviction in absentia now place her alongside a number of world leaders who were forced into exile following political upheaval, mass unrest or coups.

Sheikh Hasina, Pervez Musharraf, Rajapaksa and more: 6 leaders who fled their countries after political crisis

Dhaka
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Bangladesh's foreign ministry on Monday (Dec 23) formally wrote to India to facilitate the return of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina. 
Addressing a press conference in Dhaka, Foreign Minister Tauhid Hossain said, "We have clearly informed India of our position. We have conveyed that we want her (Sheikh Hasina) back for judicial process."
"We have sent a note verbale to the Indian government," Foreign Minister Hossain added when he was asked about the procedure for requesting Hasina's repatriation.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sheikh-hasina-involved-as-instructor-in-enforced-disappearances-alleges-bangladeshs-inquiry-commission-784157">Sheikh Hasina involved as 'instructor' in enforced disappearances, alleges Bangladesh's inquiry commission</a>
Earlier, Dhaka had said that there was no bar to bringing Hasina back following the extradition treaty. 
Meanwhile, a spokesperson of the Indian foreign ministry told WION's Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, "We confirm that we have received a Note Verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission today in connection with an extradition request. At this time, we have no comment to offer on this matter."
<h2>Anti-govt protests that led to Hasina's ouster</h2>
Earlier this year, anti-government protests in Bangladesh against Sheikh Hasina's government led to her ouster.
The crisis precipitated in the country as students launched protests against the civil service job quotas in July. Students protested against public sector job quotas, which included a 30 per cent reservation for family members of fighters from the 1971 War of Independence from Pakistan.
The agitation was initially peaceful but soon turned violent. More than 240 people were killed in the clashes between student protesters and pro-government supporters. Thousands of people were injured, and scores were detained. 
Hasina resigned as PM on August 5 and fled to India. Following her ouster, an interim government was formed, which is being led by Muhammed Yunus. 
<h2>Growing demand to repatriate Hasina</h2>
A report by the Bangladeshi newspaper The Business Standard said on Monday that since Hasina fled to India, there has been a growing demand to get her repatriated to Bangladesh and face trial for the crimes committed by her administration during the July-August uprising.
Also watch | Newspoint: Bangladesh extends probe into Hasina
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Last month, interim leader Yunus said that his government would seek the repatriation of Hasina from India and assured that she would be prosecuted for all the crimes committed over the past 15 years.
<h2>Will Hasina face extradition?</h2>
Citing sources, The Business Standard report said that Hasina holds no other passport besides the now-revoked diplomatic one. 
Under the Indian visa policy, Bangladeshi citizens holding diplomatic or official passports are eligible for visa-free entry and can stay in the country (India) for up to 45 days.
However, Hasina has already spent four and a half months in India.
The cancellation of her diplomatic passport and its associated visa privileges could lead to the risk of extradition to Bangladesh, the report said.
It added that her extradition would fall under the legal framework of the 2013 extradition treaty between Dhaka and New Delhi, which was amended three years later. 
While the treaty allows for the refusal of extradition if the charges are political, it explicitly excludes crimes such as murder from being considered political.
(With inputs from agencies)

Addressing a press conference in Dhaka, Foreign Minister Tauhid Hossain said, "We have clearly informed India of our position. We have conveyed that we want her (Sheikh Hasina) back for judicial process."



Dhaka Bangladesh's foreign ministry on Monday (Dec 23) formally wrote to India to facilitate the return of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Addressing a press conference in Dhaka, Foreign Minister Tauhid Hossain said, "We have clearly informed India of our position. We have conveyed that we want her (Sheikh Hasina) back for judicial process." "We have sent a note verbale to the Indian government," Foreign Minister Hossain added when he was asked about the procedure for requesting Hasina's repatriation. Also read | Sheikh Hasina involved as 'instructor' in enforced disappearances, alleges Bangladesh's inquiry commission Earlier, Dhaka had said that there was no bar to bringing Hasina back following the extradition treaty. Meanwhile, a spokesperson of the Indian foreign ministry told WION's Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, "We confirm that we have received a Note Verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission today in connection with an extradition request. At this time, we have no comment to offer on this matter." Anti-govt protests that led to Hasina's ouster Earlier this year, anti-government protests in Bangladesh against Sheikh Hasina's government led to her ouster. The crisis precipitated in the country as students launched protests against the civil service job quotas in July. Students protested against public sector job quotas, which included a 30 per cent reservation for family members of fighters from the 1971 War of Independence from Pakistan. The agitation was initially peaceful but soon turned violent. More than 240 people were killed in the clashes between student protesters and pro-government supporters. Thousands of people were injured, and scores were detained. Hasina resigned as PM on August 5 and fled to India. Following her ouster, an interim government was formed, which is being led by Muhammed Yunus. Growing demand to repatriate Hasina A report by the Bangladeshi newspaper The Business Standard said on Monday that since Hasina fled to India, there has been a growing demand to get her repatriated to Bangladesh and face trial for the crimes committed by her administration during the July-August uprising. Also watch | Newspoint: Bangladesh extends probe into Hasina Last month, interim leader Yunus said that his government would seek the repatriation of Hasina from India and assured that she would be prosecuted for all the crimes committed over the past 15 years. Will Hasina face extradition? Citing sources, The Business Standard report said that Hasina holds no other passport besides the now-revoked diplomatic one. Under the Indian visa policy, Bangladeshi citizens holding diplomatic or official passports are eligible for visa-free entry and can stay in the country (India) for up to 45 days. However, Hasina has already spent four and a half months in India. The cancellation of her diplomatic passport and its associated visa privileges could lead to the risk of extradition to Bangladesh, the report said. It added that her extradition would fall under the legal framework of the 2013 extradition treaty between Dhaka and New Delhi, which was amended three years later. While the treaty allows for the refusal of extradition if the charges are political, it explicitly excludes crimes such as murder from being considered political. (With inputs from agencies)

'We want her back...': Bangladesh formally writes to India to facilitate return of Sheikh Hasina

Bangladesh's foreign ministry on Monday (Dec 23) formally wrote to India to facilitate the return of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Addressing a press conference in Dhaka, Foreign Minister Tauhid Hossain said, "We have clearly informed India of our position.

Bangladesh's foreign ministry on Monday (Dec 23) formally wrote to India to facilitate the return of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Addressing a press conference in Dhaka, Foreign Minister Tauhid Hossain said, "We have clearly informed India of our position. We have conveyed that we want her (Sheikh Hasina) back for judicial process." "We have sent a note verbale to the Indian government," Foreign Minister Hossain added when he was asked about the procedure for requesting Hasina's repatriation. Also read | Sheikh Hasina involved as 'instructor' in enforced disappearances, alleges Bangladesh's inquiry commission Earlier, Dhaka had said that there was no bar to bringing Hasina back following the extradition treaty. Meanwhile, a spokesperson of the Indian foreign ministry told WION's Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, "We confirm that we have received a Note Verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission today in connection with an extradition request. At this time, we have no comment to offer on this matter." Anti-govt protests that led to Hasina's ouster Earlier this year, anti-government protests in Bangladesh against Sheikh Hasina's government led to her ouster. The crisis precipitated in the country as students launched protests against the civil service job quotas in July. Students protested against public sector job quotas, which included a 30 per cent reservation for family members of fighters from the 1971 War of Independence from Pakistan. The agitation was initially peaceful but soon turned violent. More than 240 people were killed in the clashes between student protesters and pro-government supporters. Thousands of people were injured, and scores were detained. Hasina resigned as PM on August 5 and fled to India. Following her ouster, an interim government was formed, which is being led by Muhammed Yunus. Growing demand to repatriate Hasina A report by the Bangladeshi newspaper The Business Standard said on Monday that since Hasina fled to India, there has been a growing demand to get her repatriated to Bangladesh and face trial for the crimes committed by her administration during the July-August uprising. Also watch | Newspoint: Bangladesh extends probe into Hasina Last month, interim leader Yunus said that his government would seek the repatriation of Hasina from India and assured that she would be prosecuted for all the crimes committed over the past 15 years. Will Hasina face extradition? Citing sources, The Business Standard report said that Hasina holds no other passport besides the now-revoked diplomatic one. Under the Indian visa policy, Bangladeshi citizens holding diplomatic or official passports are eligible for visa-free entry and can stay in the country (India) for up to 45 days. However, Hasina has already spent four and a half months in India. The cancellation of her diplomatic passport and its associated visa privileges could lead to the risk of extradition to Bangladesh, the report said. It added that her extradition would fall under the legal framework of the 2013 extradition treaty between Dhaka and New Delhi, which was amended three years later. While the treaty allows for the refusal of extradition if the charges are political, it explicitly excludes crimes such as murder from being considered political. (With inputs from agencies)

Sheikh Hasina, who resigned as Bangladesh's prime minister on Monday (Aug 5), will not make a comeback in politics, said her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy. Speaking to BBC, Joy said that Hasina had been considering stepping down since Sunday, and left Bangladesh for her own safety after her family insisted.

Sheikh Hasina, who resigned as Bangladesh's prime minister on Monday (Aug 5), will not make a comeback in politics, said her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy. Speaking to BBC, Joy said that Hasina had been considering stepping down since Sunday, and left Bangladesh for her own safety after her family insisted. Joy had been serving as an official adviser of Hasina until she resigned. He told BBC that his mother was "so disappointed that after all her hard work, for a minority to rise up against her." Also read | Hasina flees to India awaits asylum; Modi holds high-level meet on Bangladesh turmoil The crisis precipitated in Bangladesh as students launched protests against the civil service job quotas last month. Students protested against public sector job quotas, which included a 30 per cent reservation for family members of fighters from the 1971 War of Independence from Pakistan. The agitation was peaceful but soon turned violent, killing hundreds including police personnel and injuring thousands Joy defends mother's record in office Joy also defended his mother's tenure as prime minister. "She has turned Bangladesh around. When she took over power it was considered a failing state," Joy said. "It was a poor country. Until today, it was considered one of the rising tigers of Asia. She’s very disappointed,” he added. Also watch | How Bangladesh student protests ousted Sheikh Hasina × Joy also rejected accusations that the government had been heavy-handed in dealing with protesters. “You’ve had policemen beaten to death – 13 just yesterday. So what do you expect the police to do when mobs are beating people to death?” Hasina to leave for UK Sheikh Hasina arrived in India after fleeing Bangladesh, and will now leave for London. It is not yet known when she will leave for London as she is seeking asylum in the UK. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting with top ministers and National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval on the developing situation in Bangladesh. The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Jaishankar will be speaking about the Bangladesh situation in Parliament. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh unrest: Sheikh Hasina won't make a political comeback, says son

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh has called for stronger international action to help Rohingya refugees in the country to return to neighbouring Myanmar.

Bangladesh PM urges greater international action on Rohingya status