Nahid Islam
Hasina Will Return Only to Face Execution
Nahid Islam speaks to reporters at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, in Kakrail. Photo: Agamir Somoy
NCP Convener and Chief Whip of the Opposition in Parliament Nahid Islam said Sheikh Hasina should return to Bangladesh only for the implementation of her death sentence.
"We saw an interview today in which someone said she plans to return to the country in December," Nahid said. "Our position is that the country has already suffered 16 years of destruction. Now we also want her to return, so that the death sentence can be carried out."
According to Nahid, "A verdict has already been delivered against Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh. It is now the government's responsibility to bring back the person responsible for genocide through proper diplomatic and legal channels and enforce the verdict."
Nahid made the remarks while speaking to reporters after attending a discussion and award ceremony honoring small entrepreneurs, organized by the National SME Foundation to mark International Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day 2026. The event was held on Friday at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, in Kakrail, Dhaka, where he attended as the chief guest.
Nahid said the Bangladesh government must determine how Sheikh Hasina would return, whether she would surrender, and under what circumstances she would come back.
"The Bangladesh government will discuss the matter with New Delhi. There is no other party involved. The government alone will decide when to bring her back, how to bring her back, and how to implement the court's verdict. It must complete all necessary preparations before bringing her back," he said.
The NCP convener also claimed that Sheikh Hasina's decisions are not her own.
"She speaks only to the extent that she is permitted by New Delhi. Whether Sheikh Hasina returns, how she returns, and whether the verdict is enforced will primarily depend on the diplomatic and political understanding between Dhaka and New Delhi. Sheikh Hasina or the Awami League is no longer a political party," he said.
Nahid said those who participated in the July Revolution are prepared to face any political situation.
"Those who took part in the July mass uprising are ready to confront any political situation. We are prepared for any circumstances to protect the country's independence, sovereignty, and economy," he said.
He warned that any attempt to inflame the political situation over Sheikh Hasina or the Awami League, if tolerated by the government, would ultimately harm the government the most.
"The people of Bangladesh, all those who participated in the July Revolution, the 30,000 injured, and the families of the 1,400 martyrs are all prepared," he said.
Commenting on legal proceedings against the Awami League, Nahid said the government is also considering putting the party on trial as an organization.
"We believe that is the right course of action. A verdict has already been delivered against Sheikh Hasina. It now has to be enforced. If Sheikh Hasina returns to Bangladesh, it will be only for the implementation of the death sentence. That is why we also want the sentence to be carried out," he said.
