Sheikh Hasina, who led Bangladesh for nearly 15 years, fled to India by helicopter in August 2024 after a mass uprising forced her from power. In November 2025, a court in Dhaka sentenced her to death in absentia after finding her guilty on multiple charges, including crimes against humanity, incitement, ordering killings, and failing to prevent atrocities during the crackdown on anti-government protests. The United Nations has estimated that up to 1,400 people were killed during the violence, while Hasina has consistently rejected the allegations and described the trial as politically motivated.

Despite the conviction, Hasina has repeatedly said she intends to return to Bangladesh, stating that fear will not prevent her from fulfilling what she calls her duty to the people. Bangladesh has formally sought her extradition from India, although New Delhi has said the request is still under legal review. Apart from the crimes against humanity case, Hasina also faces several other legal proceedings, including corruption charges, and her continued stay in India has remained a point of tension in bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries.