During the event, she is expected to speak about her plans to return to the country and share her political vision for its future.

Hasina has been living in India since August 5, 2024, after leaving Dhaka when the Awami League government fell amid widespread student-led protests. Her upcoming media appearance is likely to draw attention in Bangladesh, where the current Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led administration has been seeking her extradition.

Hasina to address media alongside senior Awami League leaders

The virtual press conference will take place at the Foreign Correspondents' Club in New Delhi on August 5. According to the organisers, Hasina will 'announce her homecoming and outline her vision for Bangladesh'.

The event will also feature addresses by her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, along with senior Awami League leaders, including former Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel and former cricketer-turned-politician Shakib Al Hasan.

Several other speakers are also expected to participate, including Bangladesh Human Rights Watch General Secretary Mahammad Ali Siddique, Bangladesh Human Rights Watch USA Director Shah Mohammad Bakhtiar, security analyst Aminul Hoque Polash and counter-terrorism analyst Abu Obaidha Arin. While some participants will attend in person, others will join virtually.

First question-and-answer session since leaving Bangladesh

Although Hasina has addressed several online meetings and given email interviews since leaving office, including a virtual press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club earlier this year, this will be her first media interaction involving a live question-and-answer session.

Return plans amid legal challenges

Hasina was sentenced to death by a tribunal in Dhaka over allegations of ordering the use of lethal force during the crackdown on student protesters. In recent interviews, she has said she plans to return to Bangladesh by December and surrender before the courts.

Bangladesh Law Minister M Asaduzzaman said last week that she is likely to be arrested immediately if she returns from India.

Hasina's stay in India remains a diplomatic issue

Hasina's continued stay in India remains a sensitive issue in ties between New Delhi and Dhaka. The Bangladeshi government has prohibited local media from publishing or broadcasting her interviews, while the activities of the Awami League remain banned under the country's anti-terrorism law. Despite this, several party leaders have indicated that they intend to return to Bangladesh later this year in an effort to revive the party.

In an interview with Hindustan Times in May, Hasina said her return depends on a 'democratic environment in Bangladesh, freedom of expression, political rights and the restoration of the rule of law', which she said is also necessary for 'protecting the country's independence and sovereignty and ensuring the overall welfare of the people'.