Sheikh Hasina

Sheikh Hasina, the ousted former prime minister of Bangladesh, has vowed to return to the country this year, dismissing a death sentence she received in absentia as illegal and politically motivated. She fled to India after her government was overthrown in August 2024 following a student-led uprising. Her potential return comes as Bangladesh navigates a complex geopolitical landscape. The country's Foreign Minister, Khalilur Rahman, has been elected president of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, a significant diplomatic achievement. Meanwhile, Bangladesh is seeking to deepen cooperation with India on border management amidst migration concerns and is also engaging in diplomatic outreach with Pakistan, signaling a shift in regional alliances. Domestically, concerns are rising about the rollback of reforms introduced after Hasina's ouster, while the nation also grapples with a severe measles outbreak and seeks emergency financial aid due to rising oil prices.