Bangladesh Warns Sheikh Hasina of Immediate Arrest Upon Return

New Delhi, July 31, 2026 Bangladesh's political tensions remain in focus as the government has reiterated that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will face legal action if she returns from India. The statement comes amid renewed attention on her planned return and reflects the country's ongoing legal and political developments following the change in leadership. Bangladesh Law Minister M Asaduzzaman said Sheikh Hasina would be arrested as soon as she enters the country. His remarks came a day after Hasina told AFP that she intended to return to Bangladesh by December despite fearing for her life. "I may be killed. I may be arrested. I may be sent to prison ... I am fully aware of my fate. Still, I want to go back because my people are calling me," she was quoted as saying. The minister added that although she has the right to return as a Bangladeshi citizen, the law would take its own course and authorities would act within their legal powers. He also said she could be arrested before getting an opportunity to surrender before a court. The minister further noted that Hasina's passport had been revoked by the interim government and remarked that any issue related to her travel documents was her responsibility. Sheikh Hasina has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh in 2024 after her government was toppled during student-led protests. In 2025, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal sentenced her to death in absentia after convicting her of crimes against humanity linked to the crackdown on protesters. Hasina has described the judgment as "political vengeance dressed up as law", while Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the UN human rights office have questioned the fairness of the proceedings. Bangladesh has continued pursuing Hasina's extradition from India, where she remains in exile. While Dhaka has formally sought her return, New Delhi has acknowledged receiving the request and said it is under examination. The latest remarks by the law minister underscore that the government intends to proceed according to the country's legal framework if Hasina returns.