Sheikh Hasina will be arrested on return to Bangladesh, says Law Minister

Hasina, who has been living in exile in India since her government was toppled during violent student-led protests in 2024, told AFP that she wanted to return to Bangladesh by December.

"I may be killed. I may be arrested. I may be sent to prison," she said, adding that she was aware of the possible consequences but wanted to return because "my people are calling me."

'She may be arrested before surrendering'

Asaduzzaman said Hasina could be arrested even before she gets an opportunity to surrender before a court.

"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," the minister told reporters.

He said the government would act within the powers granted to it under the law.

"Whenever she enters into our territory, I will enforce the authority that the law has reposed upon me," Asaduzzaman said.

The minister also acknowledged that Hasina, as a Bangladeshi citizen, has the right to return, but stressed that the law would take its course.

Hasina's passport revoked

The former premier's return could also face a practical hurdle as her passport was revoked by Bangladesh's interim government after she fled the country in 2024.

Asked how Hasina could return without a valid Bangladeshi passport, Asaduzzaman dismissed the question, saying: "It is her problem, not mine."

Hasina, who was also the leader of the now-banned Awami League, has been living in India at a secret location since leaving Bangladesh.

Death sentence in absentia

In November 2025, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina to death in absentia after convicting her of crimes against humanity linked to the crackdown on student protesters.

Hasina has rejected the verdict, calling it "political vengeance dressed up as law."

International rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have criticised the proceedings and raised concerns over their fairness.

The UN human rights office has also questioned aspects of the trial.

Bangladesh seeks Hasina's extradition

Dhaka has been seeking Hasina's extradition from India for some time. New Delhi has acknowledged receiving Bangladesh's extradition request and has said that it is "under examination."

Earlier this year, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party came to power following elections, with Tarique Rahman taking charge as prime minister.

With Hasina now signalling her intention to return, the prospect of her entering Bangladesh could trigger a major legal and political confrontation, given the death sentence against her and the government's repeated warning that she would be arrested upon arrival.