Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced that she intends to return to Bangladesh in December, saying she is prepared to face arrest or imprisonment if necessary and will not allow fear to deter her from what she described as her duty to the nation.

Speaking from Delhi in her first audio interaction with the international media since losing power two years ago, Hasina said she could not remain away while the people of Bangladesh were facing hardship.

She stated that she was aware of the legal risks awaiting her upon return, including the possibility of detention and prosecution in what she described as politically motivated cases. Nevertheless, she maintained that personal safety could not take precedence over her commitment to the country.

The 77-year-old Awami League leader also confirmed that she plans to return in December, adding that the exact date would be announced at an appropriate time.

According to Hasina, her decision is motivated by concern for Bangladesh's future rather than a desire to regain office. She said the country needs stability, development, security and prosperity, and expressed hope that the Awami League would once again participate in Bangladesh's democratic process.

She also criticised the current administration, accusing it of weakening the country's democratic and secular values and undermining institutions associated with Bangladesh's independence.

Reflecting on her political life, Hasina recalled several personal and political challenges, including imprisonment during the 1971 Liberation War, years spent in exile after the assassination of her family members in 1975, and multiple assassination attempts during her political career. She said these experiences had strengthened her resolve and that her greatest concern remained Bangladesh's future.

Hasina has been staying in India since August 2024, when she was removed from office following widespread student-led protests in Bangladesh.

Subsequently, the interim administration headed by Muhammad Yunus dissolved the Awami League through an executive order issued under the country's anti-terror legislation.

In November 2025, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina to death in absentia after convicting her in connection with crimes against humanity arising from the government's response to the 2024 protests. Hasina has consistently rejected the charges, describing them as politically motivated.

Bangladesh has also sought her extradition from India, a request that New Delhi has acknowledged and said is under legal examination.