Bangladesh prosecutor warns of execution threat for ex-PM Hasina

A senior prosecutor in Bangladesh has issued a stark warning that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will face execution should she return to the nation, underscoring the serious legal jeopardy she faces following her conviction in connection with a violent crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators last year.

Hashina, who fled Bangladesh after months of civil unrest, was sentenced to death in absentia over her government's response to mass protests in 2024. The demonstrations, which saw significant loss of life, marked one of the most turbulent periods in recent Bangladeshi history and ultimately led to the collapse of her administration.

Despite the prosecutor's stark warning and the death sentence hanging over her, the former premier has remained defiant, publicly declaring her intention to return to Bangladesh next month. Her stated determination to come back has heightened tensions in the country and raised questions about whether she will follow through on the pledge or face the capital punishment that awaits her.

The situation reflects the deep political divisions that continue to characterise Bangladesh following the 2024 upheaval. Hasina's potential return could trigger significant instability in the region, with implications for neighbouring countries including Malaysia that maintain close ties with Dhaka.