Indian broadcaster whose interview prompted the announcement; the outlet to which Hasina gave her first on-the-record return timeline

First-hand interview in which Hasina declared she would return to Bangladesh in 2026 despite the death sentence, saying she was 'not afraid of death' and described the verdict as politically motivated. She framed the return as necessary to restore democracy and political rights.

“I want to say clearly: overcoming every obstacle and every conspiracy, I will return to my country this year.”