Exiled Bangladesh PM vows to return despite facing death sentence

Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has made her first public statement since fleeing to India two years ago. Upon her escape during a student uprising that ousted her government, she has remained in exile, claiming she will return to her country in December, where she faces a death sentence for crimes against humanity.

In a recent audio message marking the second anniversary of the uprising, she vowed to return to Bangladesh, dismissing the death sentence as legally void. She urged the lifting of the ban on her Awami League party, expressing her commitment to the people and their interests. However, Bangladesh has refused to extradite her to face trial, while Indian authorities have condemned her statements from abroad.

Despite strained relations between the two countries, there are signs of potential improvement in ties following the recent elections.