DHAKA: Sheikh Hasina’s stated plan to return to Bangladesh in December has brought renewed attention to the legal and political challenges awaiting the former prime minister. Bangladesh says she will face execution if she returns, after missing the deadline to appeal her death sentence. Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024, has rejected the trial and conviction.
The latest development came on Tuesday, when International Crimes Tribunal chief prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said Hasina had missed the 30-day period to appeal against her conviction for crimes against humanity over the crackdown on the 2024 student-led uprising.
“Sheikh Hasina has no option but to face the execution of the verdict,” Islam told reporters. He said the statutory appeal period had expired and no appeal could now be filed.
The statement came a day after Bangladesh’s government dismissed a request made by lawyers at London-based Matrix Chambers seeking a new passport and national identity card for Hasina. The documents were reportedly revoked after she fled the country.
Bangladesh’s High Commission in New Delhi said the email seeking the documents did not include proof that Hasina had authorised the request. The mission forwarded it to Dhaka for examination.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the foreign and law ministries were reviewing the application’s authenticity and whether Hasina had a legal right to seek new documents. Junior Foreign Minister Humaiun Kobir dismissed the request as “utterly ridiculous” and said Bangladesh wanted India to hand her over under the extradition treaty.
How the crisis unfolded
5 August 2024 — Hasina fled to India as a student-led uprising brought an end to her Awami League government’s 15-year rule. An interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus took charge. The United Nations later estimated that up to 1,400 people were killed during the crackdown on protests.
November 2025 — The International Crimes Tribunal convicted Hasina in absentia of crimes against humanity over the July-August 2024 crackdown. It sentenced her to death on one charge and life imprisonment on another. Hasina rejected the proceedings and described the trial as a “jurisprudential joke”.
February 2026 — The BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, formed the government after the general election. Dhaka continued pressing India to extradite Hasina.
April 2026 — India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the extradition request was being examined under established processes. New Delhi has not announced a decision.
5 August 2026 — In an audio-only virtual press conference in New Delhi, Hasina said she intended to return to Bangladesh in December. Dhaka expressed anger over her address to the media, while India said it had no involvement in the event.
4 November 2026 — Six British parliamentarians, including Conservative MP Bob Blackman and former MEP Charles Tannock, wrote to UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband seeking safeguards for Hasina. Their requests included assurances against execution, torture and enforced disappearance, access to lawyers of her choice and independent scrutiny involving the UN human rights office.
5 November 2026 — Junior Foreign Minister Humaiun Kobir said Bangladesh wanted Hasina handed over under the extradition treaty with India.
9 November 2026 — Lawyers at Matrix Chambers contacted Bangladesh’s High Commission in New Delhi seeking a new passport and national identity card for Hasina. Dhaka said it was examining the request and whether it had been properly authorised.
10 November 2026 — Chief prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said Hasina had missed the 30-day appeal deadline and would face execution if she returned. He also said there was no legal scope to issue her a new passport under existing law.
The same day, reports emerged of fresh violence in Bangladesh, including crude-bomb attacks and vehicles being set on fire. The Associated Press reported that police had arrested at least 33 people in connection with a series of attacks. Authorities said investigations were continuing into those responsible, while political tensions remained high.
What happens next
Hasina has said she intends to return in December, although no date has been announced. Her aides have said the date would be made public after the necessary formalities are completed.
Dhaka continues to seek her extradition from India. New Delhi has acknowledged the request but has not announced a decision. Hasina’s Awami League remains banned in Bangladesh, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the possibility of her return.
(With inputs from PTI and media reports)