Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India after the student-led 2024 uprising, expressed a firm desire to return to Bangladesh despite the risk of arrest, imprisonment or death. In an audio address to journalists from New Delhi on August 6, the 78-year-old said fear could not determine her duty to the people. The address marked the second anniversary of the end of her 15-year rule and was hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia.

The report says Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina to death last November after finding her guilty of crimes against humanity over more than 1,400 deaths during the 2024 uprising. Bangladesh has repeatedly requested her extradition from India, while New Delhi says the request is being examined. Protesters burned her effigy in Dhaka, and an angry crowd attacked former cricketer Shakib Al Hasan’s ancestral home in Magura after his attendance at the New Delhi event.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government voiced strong anger over permission for the event, warning it could worsen diplomatic ties. Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry called India’s provision of territory for attacks on the Bangladeshi state an affront to sovereignty. Indian spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian government was not involved in the event and did not agree with the remarks made there.