Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been living in New Delhi since August 2024 after she fled her Dhaka residence during violent student protests. She escaped from her palace in a helicopter and has since been living a quiet, private life in India.
After her ouster, an interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus took charge of Bangladesh. The new government has promised to hold national elections in February 2027.
Life in Delhi
Hasina’s life in exile is peaceful but lonely. She has said that she wants to return home only when there is a legitimate government, the constitution is respected, and law and order is restored in Bangladesh.
She lives in a safe house in Delhi’s Lutyens Bungalow Zone, a high-security area provided by the Indian government. She is often seen taking quiet walks in Lodhi Garden, accompanied by her security guards.
Hasina had first landed at Hindon Airbase near Delhi on August 5, 2024, on a Bangladesh Air Force plane with a few close aides. She stayed there for two days and met India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and senior officials before being moved to her current residence.
Political Situation
Back in Bangladesh, millions of Hasina’s supporters from her party, the Awami League, have said they will boycott the upcoming elections. This comes after the interim government banned Hasina and her party from participating.
Despite being in exile and facing a trial in absentia, Hasina says she is still committed to restoring democracy. In interviews, she has called for “free, fair, and inclusive elections”, saying that Bangladesh cannot progress without a legitimate government.
She also said, “Millions of people support the Awami League. You can’t just ignore them if you want a fair political system.”
Yunus Warns of Election Challenges
Meanwhile, interim leader Muhammad Yunus warned that both domestic and foreign forces might try to disrupt the 2027 elections. His office said he expects “sudden attacks” and “propaganda” aimed at destabilizing the vote.
