Sheikh Hasina Likely To Reveal Bangladesh Homecoming Plans, Vision During India Press Meet

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina is set to address a virtual media conference in New Delhi on August 5, where she is expected to speak about her plans to return to Bangladesh and share her vision for the country’s future. The event will mark two years since she left Dhaka following the collapse of her government amid widespread student-led protests in 2024. The 78-year-old Awami League leader has been living in self-imposed exile in India since August 5, 2024, when her government was overthrown after weeks of demonstrations.

Her planned virtual interaction with the media is expected to attract significant attention in Bangladesh, where political tensions have remained high following the change in power. According to organisers, Hasina will address the virtual news conference at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in New Delhi on Wednesday evening. The organisers said the former prime minister will “announce her homecoming and outline her vision for Bangladesh” during the interaction. The statement has already triggered political reactions, particularly from parties that have demanded legal action against her.

Hasina’s plans to address the media are unlikely to be welcomed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led government, which has sought her extradition from India. The issue of her return has remained a major political flashpoint between supporters of the Awami League and opposition groups in Bangladesh. The former prime minister’s departure from Bangladesh followed a dramatic period of unrest in 2024, when student-led protests escalated into a broader movement against her government. The demonstrations eventually led to the fall of the Awami League administration and Hasina’s departure from the country.

Also Read: Sheikh Hasina Cites Public Support Behind Decision To Return To Bangladesh

Since moving to India, Hasina has largely remained away from public appearances, though she has continued to communicate with Awami League supporters and leaders. Her upcoming virtual interaction is expected to provide insight into her political position, her views on Bangladesh’s current situation and her future plans. The event will also feature remarks from Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who has previously played a prominent role as an adviser and representative of the Awami League’s digital and political initiatives. Other Awami League figures expected to participate include former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel and former cricketer and parliamentarian Shakib Al Hasan.

The announcement comes at a politically sensitive time for Bangladesh, with debates continuing over governance, accountability and the country’s political future. Supporters of Hasina have accused her opponents of targeting the Awami League, while critics of her government have raised concerns over events during her tenure. The virtual press conference is likely to draw attention both within Bangladesh and internationally, as Hasina’s remarks could influence political discussions surrounding the country’s next phase.

Her statement on a possible return, if made, will be closely watched by political parties, civil society groups and observers monitoring developments in Bangladesh. While the details of her address remain unclear, the event is expected to focus on Hasina’s political vision, the future of the Awami League and her position on returning to Bangladesh after two years in exile. The response from the BNP-led administration and other political groups is likely to shape the next phase of debate surrounding the former prime minister.

Also Read: MEA Says India's Bangladesh Policy Remains Firm Amid Sheikh Hasina's Planned Return