Bangladesh's ousted leader Sheikh Hasina has vowed to return in December from self-imposed exile in India, where she has been in hiding since fleeing the uprising that toppled her government.

The 79-year-old former prime minister faces a death sentence for crimes against humanity over the deadly crackdown on 2024 protests that ended her 15-year rule.

Bangladesh's government challenged her on Tuesday to seek extradition from India if she was genuinely determined to return.

Her pledge has divided Bangladesh, with supporters of her banned Awami League party awaiting her return, while opponents warn it could trigger fresh instability.

Why did Hasina leave?

Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, as thousands stormed her palace, capping months of protests against her increasingly authoritarian government.

During her rule, critics accused her of jailing political rivals, imposing harsh anti-press laws and overseeing widespread human rights abuses.

She flew to longtime ally India, where she has remained…