Sheikh Hasina’s return to Bangladesh: the hurdles, the risks and the politics | Explained

The political landscape in Dhaka remains tense as former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has formally requested a new passport and national identity card from the Bangladeshi government. This move, initiated on November 9, 2026, marks a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding Sheikh Hasina and her potential return to Bangladesh. Since fleeing to India on August 5, 2024, following a massive student-led uprising that brought down her administration, the former leader has remained outside the country.

Navigating the legal challenges of a Sheikh Hasina return

In response to the request, Acting Foreign Minister Humayun Kabir stated that the government is seeking her extradition through an established and acceptable prisoner transfer process. The situation presents a profound dilemma for the former leader. While she reportedly aims to reclaim her role as the head of the Awami League, she faces severe legal repercussions at home. The International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka has already sentenced her to death, holding her responsible for the violent police crackdowns that occurred during the civil unrest of July and August 2024.

Despite the gravity of these charges, she has maintained a firm stance. She has consistently refused to offer an apology for the actions of the security forces during her tenure. Instead, she has argued that the police did not act under her direct orders but were responding to provocations from militants and angry agitators. This refusal to concede responsibility complicates any potential path toward a political reconciliation or a return to the public sphere in her home country.

Sheikh Hasina faces a death sentence and extradition efforts while seeking to reclaim her political leadership.

Why it matters

The potential return of Sheikh Hasina represents a critical juncture for Bangladesh’s post-uprising transition. For the current government, managing her legal status while navigating international extradition protocols is a test of the country's judicial independence. For the public and her supporters, her status as a political figure remains a deeply polarizing issue that continues to influence the stability of the nation. The outcome of this legal and political standoff will significantly impact the future of the Awami League and the broader democratic process in South Asia.