Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina returned to the political spotlight on August 5 through a virtual address from New Delhi, coinciding with the second anniversary of the 2024 student-led uprising that forced her from office. The event immediately attracted attention in both India and Bangladesh, leading to fresh diplomatic discussions between the two neighbouring countries.
Bangladesh will hold its next national elections in February 2026. The Election Commission has begun preparations to make sure the elections are free, fair, and peaceful. Over 120 million people are expected to vote to choose 300 members of the national parliament.
Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal or the ICT has formally indicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on charges of mass murder and crimes against humanity. The charges are based on her alleged role in orchestrating a violent suppression on students in the student led protests between July and August of 2024 resulting in around 1,400 deaths (including students, police and common peopl), according to a UN human rights report.
