Deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is planning to return to Bangladesh from India next December with senior party leaders. Sheikh Hasina herself said these things in an interview with the news agency Reuters.

She gave the interview to Reuters by telephone on Thursday night. The report was published on Friday. Sheikh Hasina said, "After returning to the country, they can arrest me, even kill me. Still, I have to go. My party leaders and supporters are being persecuted. If death comes, I want it to happen on my own soil."

The International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity during the July-August uprising. All political activities of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations have also been banned. Sheikh Hasina said that she and her party members have set a goal of returning to the country voluntarily. By surrendering themselves to the court, they essentially want to test the behavior of the current authorities.

Bangladesh has already called on India several times to hand over Sheikh Hasina. Reuters wrote that Sheikh Hasina's return to the country could further intensify political divisions when the current government is trying to restore stability after two years of political unrest.

This is the first time since Sheikh Hasina went into exile in India that she has specified a specific time frame for her return. She said she had not consulted any foreign government about her return or its timing, saying, "They have been repeatedly sending letters to India requesting me to be sent back. I will go myself."

Among senior Awami League leaders, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has also been sentenced to death. Reuters was unable to reach other members of the party. Reuters contacted Bangladesh government spokespeople for comment on Sheikh Hasina's statement. However, there was no response.