Legal Moves and Political Strategy
A UK lawyer acting on Hasina’s behalf wrote to the Bangladesh High Commission in India. The letter requests a new passport and national ID card „in due course,” according to a letter viewed by The Guardian. A party leader based in Kolkata explained the move. „The reason our leader, Sheikh Hasina, applied for a passport is her sincere desire to return.”
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Digital Infrastructure Reshapes Global Commerce and Public ServicesIf authorities refuse the passport, Hasina plans to request a travel document. The Bangladesh government pressured Indian authorities to extradite her. However, India, which was close to Hasina during her tenure, ignored the requests. This strained bilateral relations. This week, Bangladesh declared that Hasina, labeled a „terrorist,” could return only via an „acceptable prisoner exchange” under the India-Bangladesh extradition treaty.
Political Context and Party Response
Despite her conviction and the ban on her party, the Awami League, Hasina retains significant popularity. Thousands of party cadres remain active in Bangladesh, many operating underground. Analysts view her return as a bid to revive her support base. It also aims to destabilize the new democratic government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The government has struggled with inflation and recent protests that shut down garment factories. The Awami League hopes to exploit this for political gain.
Another Awami League leader stated that all exiled members plan to follow Hasina back. Many of her close allies face serious criminal charges after her government fell. They received long prison sentences in absentia. „We all plan to return. Some of us were convicted in absentia by kangaroo courts, and we know we will be arrested. But we are prepared to face the consequences and return to our people. We will fight politically,” said a senior leader based in India.
Personal Statements and Recent Developments
Several senior party figures have already returned in recent months. Former MP Mustaque Ahmed Ruhi was arrested immediately after his return in September. He is accused of a killing during the 2024 uprising. „There are serious threats and dangers, but our cadres and leaders are confident and ready to return to our people,” the leader added.
During her years in exile, Awami League leaders continued meeting in Kolkata. They are regularly invited to Delhi to see Hasina. In a statement emailed this week, Hasina confirmed her decision to return. „If death is my fate, I would prefer to die on the soil of my country, among my people.”