Critics and observers concerned about regional stability warn that Sheikh Hasina’s return to the public spotlight could exacerbate existing tensions and undermine the fragile transition in Bangladesh. From this viewpoint, her rhetoric and the potential for her to mobilize supporters from exile pose a significant risk to the current government's efforts to reform state institutions and maintain order. There is a deep-seated fear that her re-emergence will polarize the public further, potentially triggering renewed unrest or violence similar to the events of 2024.
Accountability-focused observers argue that Hasina’s attempts to frame her legal challenges as purely political ignore the gravity of the charges against her. The 2025 death sentence, issued by a tribunal for her role in the violent crackdown on protesters, represents a critical demand for justice from the families of those who lost their lives. Critics contend that any attempt to bypass or delegitimize these legal outcomes threatens the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. They argue that her focus should be on answering for the actions of her administration rather than attempting to orchestrate a political comeback from abroad.
Furthermore, the diplomatic friction caused by her presence in India is a major concern for those prioritizing regional peace. The Bangladeshi government has repeatedly signaled that her activities from Indian soil hinder the possibility of a pragmatic reset in bilateral relations. Critics warn that if she continues to use platforms in New Delhi to challenge the current administration, it could strain the relationship between the two neighbors, impacting trade, security, and diplomatic cooperation. For these stakeholders, the priority must be the stability of the current democratic transition and the avoidance of any actions that could lead to a resurgence of the authoritarian practices that defined her previous tenure.