Sheikh Hasina announces return to Bangladesh this year
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed has announced that she plans to return to Bangladesh later this year, nearly two years after leaving the country following her resignation amid widespread anti-government protests. Sheikh Hasina has been living in India since August 2024, when she stepped down as prime minister in the wake of a student-led protest movement, nationwide demonstrations and mounting political pressure. In a recent interview, the former premier said she was determined to return to Bangladesh this year despite the obstacles in her way. However, she did not specify a timeline or disclose further details about her planned return. Her announcement comes as Bangladesh continues to face political uncertainty, with legal cases and security concerns surrounding the former prime minister and ongoing tensions between her Awami League party and the current political leadership. Political observers believe Sheikh Hasina’s return could have a significant impact on Bangladesh’s political landscape, making the development one of the most closely watched issues in the country’s politics. BNP announces to seek Sheikh Hasina’s extradition from India after election victory