Sheikh Hasina will return to Bangladesh through legal channels, says minister
Law Minister Asaduzzaman stated that Dhaka has finished all necessary legal formalities for the former prime minister's return.
Bangladesh Law Minister Asaduzzaman said on Sunday that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be brought back to the country via legal processes. According to reports from Hindustan Times and Prothom Alo, the minister noted that Dhaka has finished all required legal formalities and that the next steps depend on India.
The minister's remarks followed reports that Hasina requested a new passport and identity card from the Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi. Hasina, who has lived in India since fleeing during the August 2024 uprising, previously expressed her intention to return to Bangladesh.
Asaduzzaman stated that Hasina would not have the opportunity to appeal her death sentence under current laws, as she was convicted of crimes against humanity. In November 2025, the International Crimes Tribunal convicted Hasina in absentia for her role in the July-August 2024 student-led protests, sentencing her to death on one charge and life imprisonment on another.
Chief prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said Hasina has no option but to face the execution of the verdict if she returns, noting she failed to file an appeal within the required timeframe. Hasina has rejected the charges.
A BBC Bangla report suggested India may have set conditions for her return, including facilitation by the Bangladesh Army and a guarantee of her right to appeal. The Ministry of External Affairs has not officially reacted to that report, stating that India is reviewing extradition requests and desires a constructive relationship with Bangladesh.
