The event completes a symbolic “full circle” following Sheikh Hasina’s abrupt departure from Dhaka on August 5, 2024, during a massive student-led uprising
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to make her first major public appearance on August 5, 2026, exactly two years after she fled the country. The event completes a symbolic “full circle” following her abrupt departure from Dhaka on August 5, 2024, during a massive student-led uprising.
SHEIKH HASINA’S FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE IN 2 YEARS
The virtual press conference is organised by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia (FCC South Asia) based in New Delhi.
The event will take place on August 5, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM IST.
The physical venue is the Sir Mark Tully Auditorium on Mathura Road, New Delhi, but the interaction will be live-streamed on the club’s social media platforms.
WHAT WILL BE DISCUSSED?
Hasina is expected to present her perspective on the chaotic timeline of August 2024 that resulted in the collapse of her 15-year rule. She is anticipated to voice criticisms against the post-uprising transition and the new political administration in Dhaka.
The core focus will be her declared plan to return voluntarily to Bangladesh around December 2026. She intends to surrender to the courts and challenge the legal status of her banned party, the Awami League.
WHAT ARE THE LEGAL AND DIPLOMATIC STRAINS?
Bangladesh’s war crimes court sentenced Hasina to death in absentia in November 2025 for ordering a lethal crackdown on the 2024 protesters. She has repeatedly dismissed this verdict as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
The current Bangladeshi administration has formally requested her extradition. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs maintains that the request is under legal evaluation according to standard bilateral treaties.
WHEN DID SHEIKH HASINA LEAVE BANGLADESH AND WHY?
Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, by military helicopter. Her sudden departure followed weeks of massive, deadly student-led protests that escalated into a direct march on her official residence.
Timeline of Her Departure
The Resignation: Facing an ultimatum from the military and hundreds of thousands of protesters breaching her palace gates, Hasina signed her resignation letter early in the afternoon.
