Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh who fled the country in August 2024 after student protests ended her 15-year rule, said she plans to return by December and is prepared to face arrest, imprisonment, or even death. In her first extensive comments since being ousted, Hasina dismissed allegations that she authorized excessive force during the protests that preceded her departure. The protests, which began as student demonstrations against a quota system, escalated into a broader movement demanding her resignation. Hasina's party, the Awami League, has faced repression and legal proceedings since the interim government took power. Hasina, who has been living in exile, did not specify how she would re-enter the country or what steps she would take to ensure her safety. Her announcement signals a potential escalation in Bangladesh's political tensions, as the interim government has accused her administration of human rights abuses. Hasina's remarks came in a statement to international media, where she reiterated her intention to return despite the risks. The exact timing of her return remains unclear, but she indicated it would happen before the end of 2024.