Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has strongly reiterated her intention to return to her home country. She has made it unequivocally clear that come what may, she will return to Bangladesh in December. Addressing a virtual press conference from Washington, Sheikh Hasina stated that whether the current government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrests her, kills her, or subjects her to torture, she will still go back to her nation. Ever since her government fell in August 2024, she has been living abroad. Acknowledging that her return might bring imprisonment or violent backlash, she emphasized that political responsibility demands her to stand alongside her supporters during these testing times.
Commitment to Return Despite Grave Dangers
The former prime minister stressed that returning to Bangladesh is her utmost duty and the associated threats can't deter her from this path. She stated during the conference, "I will go back to Bangladesh in December. I am not afraid. I know they can kill me, arrest me, and torture me... " However, she didn't mention any specific date for her departure from India. Hasina further added, "How risky it's, I don't care. " Sheikh Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, later informed journalists that no concrete date has been finalized yet and an official announcement will be made as the timeline draws closer.
Expression of Gratitude to India
Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina has been residing in India since stepping down from power. She extended her heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Indian government and its people for welcoming her and providing shelter during a time of immense political turmoil. Recalling the historical parallels, she noted, "Well, the Indian government and people of all parties, they received me just the way they did in 1975," referring to the time when she and her sister survived the assassination of multiple family members.
Historical Precedents of Return
Sheikh Hasina also recalled several episodes from her extensive political career when she returned to Bangladesh despite grave threats to her personal security. This includes her return in 1981 after living abroad for years following the assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and other family members in 1975. It also covers her resolute decision to return during the political emergency of 2007 when she faced severe criminal charges.
Demand for Fair Judicial Proceedings
Targeting the current political leadership of Bangladesh under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Hasina accused them of suppressing political dissent by weaponizing criminal cases against her and members of the Awami League. Questioning the legitimacy of these legal actions, she asserted that allegations against political figures must be resolved through fair judicial proceedings. Hasina emphasized that Bangladesh's political future must be determined by its citizens through free, fair, and inclusive democratic processes. She urged the people of Bangladesh to choose their government through an open political framework.
Advocating for Democratic Rights and Minority Protection
The former prime minister called for independent courts, freedom of speech, political association, the protection of minorities, and strict adherence to due process. She warned that excluding political parties from democratic participation would only deepen divisions and weaken national reconciliation, while "Similarly, those who oppose my government are citizens whose rights must be respected. The future of Bangladesh must be built on reconciliation, not revenge," she remarked.
Addressing 2024 Protests and Regional Diplomacy
Hasina also acknowledged that her own administration had faced tough questions concerning its record and the events surrounding the protests of 2024. She reiterated that allegations against anyone, including herself, should be addressed through transparent and fair legal action. Earlier, Sheikh Hasina had launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman over his foreign policy decisions. She questioned Bangladesh's absence from regional meetings held in India, terming Tarique Rahman's decision immature and against the national interests of the country.
BRICS Summit and Diplomatic Stance
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had skipped participation in the BRICS summit hosted in India. Dhaka had defended the move by stating that he was invited not in the capacity of Bangladesh's prime minister, but solely as the BIMSTEC chair. Questioning this stance, Hasina asked why Tarique Rahman was hesitating to visit India when her father and former Bangladesh president Ziaur Rahman had traveled to the country during his tenure. This comprehensive statement by Sheikh Hasina has sent major ripples across the political landscape of South Asia.