Key facts
- Ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina vows to return to Bangladesh this year.
- Hasina states her death sentence is politically motivated.
- She was removed from power following a military-backed coup in 2007.
- Hasina has been living in exile in India.
- Her supporters are planning a rally in Dhaka to welcome her return.
Ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has declared her intention to return to Bangladesh this year, asserting that the death sentence handed down to her is politically motivated. Hasina, a key opposition figure, was removed from power in 2007 following a military-backed coup. She has been living in exile in India since her ouster. The verdict against her is seen by her supporters as an attempt to prevent her return to politics. Her party, the Awami League, is reportedly planning a large rally in Dhaka to coincide with her homecoming. This move signals a potential escalation in the country's political tensions as the government seeks to consolidate its power. Hasina's return could galvanize opposition forces and challenge the current administration. The specifics of her return, including the exact date and mode of travel, remain unclear.