Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina plans to return to the country in December 2026, despite facing a death sentence and potential arrest. She announced her intention to challenge the legal banning of the Awami League upon her arrival.

Hasina confirmed her plans in a Reuters interview published on Friday, July 10, 2026. She stated she intends to return alongside senior officials from the Awami League and has urged other exiled party members, including former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, to join her. Kamal also faces a death sentence. Hasina said the group would surrender in court upon arrival. "All together, we will all surrender in court," Hasina said. She added, "They may arrest me on my return, they may even kill me. Still, I have to go. If death comes, I want it to come on my own soil."

Hasina fled to India in July 2024 following a student-led uprising. The Awami League has since been banned. She described the legal proceedings against her as "farcical" and questioned the party's suspension, stating, "Why should they suspend the Awami League? If we have done badly, let the people decide." Bangladesh's new authorities have repeatedly sought her extradition from India. Indian officials said they are examining the extradition request and wish to engage with Dhaka.

Hasina has been reorganizing the Awami League from abroad, conducting online meetings with more than 100 parliamentary constituencies. She previously served as Prime Minister of Bangladesh for 20 years across multiple terms. Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed spoke at an event on July 4, 2026, commemorating the second anniversary of the uprising. Ahmed stated, "After such brutal murders and genocide, the mass murderer Sheikh Hasina has no remorse to this day."