Sheikh Hasina will face jail if she returns to Bangladesh from self-imposed exile in India, a senior government official said on Monday, days after the former prime minister announced plans to return in December and surrender before a court.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said authorities would arrest Hasina immediately after her return and begin legal proceedings under Bangladeshi law.

“Sheikh Hasina is a convicted criminal. If she surrenders, action will be taken against her as per the laws of Bangladesh,” Islam told reporters. “She will have to go to jail and further proceedings will follow as per the provisions of the law.”

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Hasina has lived in New Delhi since August 2024, when a mass uprising forced her from power after years in office. The United Nations says about 1,400 people died during the unrest.

Bangladesh’s war crimes tribunal sentenced Hasina to death in absentia in November after finding her guilty of ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led protest movement. She has denied all charges.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s administration now governs Bangladesh after winning elections in February. The government says it aims to restore stability following two years of political turmoil.

Dhaka has formally asked India to extradite Hasina. New Delhi said in April that it was reviewing the request while working to strengthen ties with Bangladesh’s new government.

In her first interview since leaving office, Hasina told Reuters last week that she would return voluntarily in December and surrender before the court.

She also urged Awami League leaders and supporters living abroad to return and face the cases against them.

“Cases have been filed against almost all of our leaders and workers, and many of them are in hiding,” Hasina said. “So I said that this time I am returning home, and one day, all of you should come. All together, we will all surrender in court.”

Islam dismissed Hasina’s announcement, saying she intended to rally party leaders and activists who remain outside Bangladesh after the 2024 political upheaval.