Kathmandu— Ousted former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced on Wednesday that she plans to return from exile in India despite a death sentence handed down by a Bangladeshi court. Speaking at an event marking the second anniversary of her ouster, Hasina said it was her duty to face her people and vowed to return voluntarily.

Bangladesh's Outrage Over Hasina's Address

The Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed outrage over Hasina’s public address in New Delhi. The ministry stated that the event was detrimental to bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh, calling it an affront to the sovereignty of Bangladesh and a grievous insult to those who died during the 2024 uprising.

Hasina fled to India after student-led protests forced her from power in 2024. She remains there despite facing charges of crimes against humanity for ordering a crackdown on protesters, which resulted in nearly 1,400 deaths according to a UN report.

Memorial Museum Inaugurated

On the same day as Hasina’s address, Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated a memorial museum dedicated to those killed during the 2024 uprising. The July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum is located in Dhaka and features exhibits including audio and video recordings of the events, personal belongings of victims, and newspaper clippings from that time.

The project was initiated by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who led an interim government following Hasina’s ouster. Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and a long-time rival of Hasina, took office in February after winning a landslide victory under the supervision of Yunus’ administration.

Hasina’s announcement to return to Bangladesh despite facing severe legal consequences underscores her commitment to her political base. The upcoming months will be crucial as both sides prepare for potential confrontation.

(With inputs from Rising Nepal)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.