Sheikh Hasina public appearance in Delhi on August 5 will mark her first public address since leaving Bangladesh following the 2024 student-led uprising. The former prime minister is expected to discuss Bangladesh's political crisis, her return plans, democratic reforms and the legal challenges she continues to face.
Sheikh Hasina August 5 Event
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to make her first public appearance since leaving office nearly two years ago. The event is scheduled for August 5 at the Sir Mark Tully Auditorium on Mathura Road in New Delhi and will be hosted virtually by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia (FCC South Asia).
According to the organisers, Hasina is expected to speak about the political situation in Bangladesh, the restoration of democratic institutions and her future political roadmap. The appearance comes after months of speculation over when she would publicly respond to developments in Bangladesh following her removal from power.
She will be joined by several prominent personalities, including her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, former minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, former Bangladesh cricket captain Shakib Al Hasan, former diplomat Animul Hoque Polash, writer and political analyst Abu Obaidha Arin and advocate Shah Mohammed Bakhtiar.
Bangladesh Political Crisis
Hasina has remained in India since leaving Bangladesh after the student-led uprising that brought an end to her government. The protests evolved into one of the country's largest political crises in recent history, leading to widespread unrest and significant political change.
In recent comments shared with AFP, Hasina acknowledged the personal risks surrounding her future. She said she understands she could be arrested or imprisoned if she returns but insisted she wants to go back because, according to her, the people of Bangladesh are calling for her return.
Her remarks are expected to form a major part of the August 5 address, during which she is likely to outline her political vision and explain how she plans to re-engage with supporters.
Sheikh Hasina Return Plan
Hasina has previously stated that she hopes to return to Bangladesh in December 2026. However, that plan faces major legal and political hurdles. Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal sentenced her to death in absentia in November 2025 over allegations connected to the student uprising, making any return highly uncertain.
Bangladesh has also sought her extradition from India. Government officials in Dhaka have stated that legal procedures would be followed if she enters Bangladeshi territory. Bangladesh Law Minister M Asaduzzaman recently said authorities would enforce the law immediately upon her arrival, reinforcing the legal challenges awaiting the former prime minister.
Bangladesh Extradition Request
The upcoming appearance is being closely watched across South Asia because it could provide Hasina's clearest political message since going into exile. Observers expect her to address the extradition request, the future of her political party and the possibility of participating in Bangladesh's political process again.
While the event itself is virtual, its political significance extends beyond the venue in New Delhi. Her speech may influence discussions surrounding democracy, political reconciliation and India-Bangladesh relations in the months ahead.
The information in this report is based on statements from the event organisers, public remarks made by Sheikh Hasina to AFP, and official comments issued by Bangladeshi government representatives regarding her legal status and extradition proceedings.
