Possible return of Sheikh Hasina: Strict warning from Bangladesh government, India also gave clarification, know what they said?

Lucknow. Bangladesh has welcomed ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s plan to return to Dhaka, saying in clear terms that she will have to face justice as a death row convict. Sheikh Hasina, 78, has taken refuge in India after losing power in August 2024 following massive protests against the government. Last week, sources close to Hasina had said that she was preparing to voluntarily return to Dhaka by the end of this year to reinvigorate her Awami League party.

What did Bangladesh say?

Bangladesh Prime Minister’s advisor Zahed Ur Rehman, in a media briefing, challenged Hasina to call the world’s best lawyers to Dhaka to defend her against charges of crimes against humanity arising out of her government’s brutal crackdown on the student-led movement in 2024. “We welcome his announcement because we want to ensure justice,” Rahman said. The people of the country want that the death sentence awarded to them for their crimes should be upheld and in that case they will be given the death penalty because that is what people want to see.

Tribunal proceedings will be transparent

Rahman assured that the proceedings of the International Crimes Tribunal (Bangladesh) will be completely transparent and observers will be able to monitor them and it can also be broadcast through video coverage. He also clarified that procedural issues will not become an obstacle to Sheikh Hasina’s return and Delhi can make necessary arrangements after discussing the matter with Dhaka.

What did India say?

India, on the other hand, has reacted extremely cautiously to Sheikh Hasina’s return plans. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, there is no change in our stand on this matter. Any extradition case is legal and will be dealt with accordingly.