Bangladesh Law Minister’s Big Statement On Sheikh Hasina’s Return, Says She May Be Arrested Before Surrender

Bangladesh Law Minister M Asaduzzaman on Thursday said that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina could face immediate arrest if she returns to the country from India. His remarks came after Hasina expressed her determination to return to Bangladesh by December despite concerns over possible threats to her safety.

Sheikh Hasina’s Return May Lead To Immediate Arrest

Speaking to reporters, Asaduzzaman said that Hasina, who was sentenced to death in November 2025, may not get the opportunity to surrender directly before a court if she returns to the country. He said, "Despite being a death penalty convict, being a Bangladeshi citizen, if she intends to surrender showing respect to the law by returning home, perhaps she will be arrested before she could do so.” He added, “We will exercise the authority that the law has given us".

Earlier on July 29, Hasina said she is determined to return to her country by December, even though she could face arrest, imprisonment or execution. The 78-year-old leader has been living in New Delhi since leaving Bangladesh in August 2024 after a mass protest ousted her from power.

ALSO READ: ‘They May Even Kill Me’: Facing Death Sentence, Sheikh Hasina Announces December Return To Bangladesh

Sheikh Hasina Plans Dhaka Return By December

In an email interview with news agency AFP, Hasina said she understands the risks of returning but still wants to go back to Bangladesh. "I may be killed. I may be arrested. I may be sent to prison," Hasina said. She added, “I am fully aware of my fate. Still, I want to go back because my people are calling me.”

Hasina further said that her party leaders and workers were facing severe repression in Bangladesh. Reaffirming her decision to return, she said, "My party leaders and workers are being subjected to tremendous repression." She added, "If death comes, I want it to come on my own soil, where my parents are buried and where their blood was shed."

Why Sheikh Hasina Left Bangladesh

Hasina resigned and fled Bangladesh in August 2024 after months of nationwide protests. The demonstrations began over the country's government job quota system but soon turned into a larger anti-government movement. The protests intensified after security forces launched a crackdown on demonstrators. Thousands of people were injured and many were detained during the unrest, which eventually brought an end to Hasina's 15-year rule as prime minister.

After the change in government, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) registered several cases against Hasina and some of her former ministers. They are accused of crimes against humanity over the government's handling of the 2024 protests.

ALSO READ: Sheikh Hasina Plans Bangladesh Return By December Despite Threat Of Arrest And Execution: 'Fully Aware Of My Fate'

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