May 17: Sheikh Hasina Returned to Bangladesh After Six Years in Exile

May 17, 1981 is remembered as an important and emotional day in the political history of Bangladesh. After spending six years in exile, Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, returned to the country on this day. After her return, she officially took charge of leading the Bangladesh Awami League and has continued to lead the party ever since.

On August 15, 1975, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family members were assassinated in one of the most brutal killings in history. Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana survived only because they were staying abroad at the time. After the assassination of Bangabandhu, different groups started political conspiracies against the spirit of independence and the ideals of the Liberation War. Bangladesh entered a dark and uncertain period.

At this difficult time, during the Awami League National Council held on February 14, 15, and 16 in 1981, Sheikh Hasina was elected president of the party in her absence. She was called upon to lead the struggle for democracy and to rebuild the Awami League. Ignoring threats, restrictions, and pressure from the military rulers of that time, Sheikh Hasina returned to Bangladesh on May 17, 1981.

On the day of her return, Dhaka became a city filled with rallies and slogans. From morning until midnight, the capital remained crowded with processions and political supporters. Despite heavy rain and storms, hundreds of thousands of people gathered at Kurmitola International Airport and Sher-e-Bangla Nagar to welcome Sheikh Hasina. People from all over the country came to Dhaka to see Bangabandhu’s daughter.

Supporters chanted slogans such as:
“Hasina, we promise you — we will avenge the killing of your father.”
“Welcome Sheikh Hasina, welcome home.”

In response to the huge public reception, Sheikh Hasina said:
“I have not returned to become the leader of the Awami League. I want to stay beside you as your sister, your daughter, and as a worker of the Awami League who believes in Bangabandhu’s ideals.”

Her return marked the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh politics. Under her leadership, the Awami League reorganized itself and later played an important role in the movement to restore democracy in the country. For Awami League leaders and supporters, May 17 is remembered not only as the day Sheikh Hasina returned home, but also as a symbol of hope, struggle, and political revival.