The announcement by former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that she intends to return to the country has once again stirred political debate across South Asia.
Hasina, who was forced to leave Bangladesh nearly two years ago following a massive anti-government movement, says she wants to come back. However, the key question remains: Will she be welcomed as a political leader or arrested over the cases pending against her?
To understand what could happen next, it is important to look at Sheikh Hasina’s political journey, the events that ended her long rule, and the legal challenges she faces today.
Who is Sheikh Hasina?
Sheikh Hasina is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader of Bangladesh, who is widely known in the country as the “Father of the Nation.”
In 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most members of his family were killed during a military coup. Hasina survived because she was abroad at the time.
After spending years in exile, she returned to Bangladesh and took charge of the Awami League, eventually becoming prime minister for the first time in 1996.
She returned to power in 2009 and remained prime minister until 2024, becoming Bangladesh’s longest-serving prime minister.
How Did Sheikh Hasina’s Government Fall?
The crisis began in 2024 when student protests against the government’s job quota system expanded into a nationwide anti-government movement.
The demonstrations led to violent clashes between security forces and protesters, resulting in hundreds of deaths. Human rights organizations accused authorities of using excessive force, while Hasina’s government claimed the protests were backed by opposition groups and foreign elements.
Amid growing public pressure and political instability, Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh and travelled abroad. Shortly afterward, an interim government was formed.
What Legal Cases Does Sheikh Hasina Face?
After her removal from power, several cases were registered against Sheikh Hasina.
The allegations against her include:
The deaths of civilians during the 2024 protests and alleged misuse of state power
Accusations related to enforced disappearances and human rights violations
Alleged abuse of authority and controversial administrative decisions
Investigations into corruption and financial irregularities
Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League have rejected these allegations, calling them politically motivated. The interim government, however, maintains that the cases are being handled according to law.
What Happened to Opposition Leaders During Her Rule?
During Sheikh Hasina’s long tenure, Bangladesh’s politics remained deeply divided.
Her government established a special tribunal to investigate alleged war crimes committed during the 1971 Liberation War. Several opposition figures, particularly from the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party and other political groups, were convicted.
Among those sentenced to death were Motiur Rahman Nizami, Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid, Abdul Quader Molla, Muhammad Kamaruzzaman, and Mir Quasem Ali.
Delwar Hossain Sayeedi was also initially sentenced to death, but his sentence was later changed.
The government defended these trials as a move to deliver justice for the 1971 war crimes. However, critics and some international organizations raised concerns over the transparency, fairness, and possible political influence in the proceedings.
Were Only War Crimes Cases Filed Against Opponents?
No. Leaders of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) also faced various cases during Hasina’s rule, including allegations related to corruption, violence, and other offences.
The BNP accused the government of using legal cases to weaken political opponents and restrict their participation in elections. The government denied these claims and said all actions were taken under the law.
Why Does Sheikh Hasina Want to Return?
Following her recent statement about returning to Bangladesh, political analysts believe Hasina may be attempting to revive the Awami League and reconnect with her supporters.
Her supporters argue that she wants to return to face the allegations against her and continue her political struggle.
Her opponents, however, say that if she returns, she must face the courts like any other citizen and should not receive special treatment.
What Could Happen If She Returns?
Several possibilities are being discussed if Sheikh Hasina comes back to Bangladesh.
The first possibility is that she could be arrested immediately upon arrival and presented before a court.
The second possibility is that she could seek bail and begin a legal battle.
A third possibility is that changing political circumstances could create space for her return to political activity, although the current situation makes this uncertain.
Impact on Bangladesh Politics
Sheikh Hasina’s possible return would not only mark the comeback of a former prime minister but could also reshape Bangladesh’s political landscape.
If she is arrested, political tensions could increase. If she receives legal relief, the Awami League may attempt to reorganize and return to active politics.
The role of Bangladesh’s interim government and judiciary will also remain under international scrutiny as they handle the case.
A Political Journey From Power to Exile
Sheikh Hasina’s political career represents a remarkable journey of power, influence, controversy, and exile.
A leader who once presided over a government where political opponents faced severe punishments is now facing legal battles herself.
Her possible return is not only about one politician coming back home; it could become a defining moment for Bangladesh’s political future, judicial system, and democratic process.
The question now remains: If Sheikh Hasina returns to Bangladesh, will she walk through the doors of the courtroom or the gates of a prison?
