Former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina has said she will return to Bangladesh this year despite facing the death penalty, insisting that her return is tied to restoring democracy rather than reclaiming political power.
In an email interview with NDTV marking the 77th founding anniversary of the Awami League, the exiled leader said the legal cases against her were politically motivated and accused the authorities of using the judiciary to eliminate her party from politics.
“My return is not a question of personal ambition. It is tied to a far larger question: the political rights of the people of Bangladesh, the restoration of democracy, the rule of law, and the spirit of our Liberation War,” she said.
Hasina added that she did not fear the death penalty, referring to the assassination of most of her family in 1975 and previous attempts on her life.
“Overcoming every obstacle and every conspiracy, I will return to my country this year,” she said.
The former prime minister described the Awami League as a political force deeply rooted in Bangladesh's history and rejected suggestions that its future depended on the weaknesses of rival parties.
“The Awami League is not a paper organisation. It is a political force rooted in the soil of Bengal,” she said, arguing that despite the party's ban, it continued to enjoy widespread public support.
Hasina claimed Bangladesh had experienced democratic decline since her removal from office. She alleged there was no rule of law, the economy had weakened and minorities were facing growing insecurity. She also accused both the former interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus and the current BNP government of undermining democratic institutions.
She called for the ban on the Awami League to be lifted, political prisoners to be released and what she described as false cases against party leaders and activists to be withdrawn. She rejected reports of any backchannel negotiations with the BNP, saying constitutional rights and justice could not be secured through secret agreements.
Addressing reports of attacks on minority communities, Hasina described the situation as "deeply worrying". She alleged that Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, indigenous communities, Ahmadis and followers of Sufi traditions had faced attacks since August 5 and said those responsible should be brought to justice.
“Those who attack minorities, vandalise temples, or threaten people in the name of religion are not merely enemies of one community. They are the enemies of the spirit of Bangladesh's independence,” she said.
Reflecting on her time in exile in India, Hasina said her focus remained on Bangladesh despite being away from the country.
“My heart remains in Bangladesh,” she said. “My struggle has not stopped.”
She also defended the Awami League's record in government, highlighting economic growth, poverty reduction, infrastructure development and social programmes under her administration. She argued that Bangladesh had made significant progress during her tenure and claimed only the Awami League could restore stability and democratic governance if allowed to participate in a free and fair election.
The interview was published as the Awami League marked its 77th founding anniversary. The party remains banned in Bangladesh, and its anniversary observances were held amid tight security, with reports of arrests of party activists.
Source: NDTV
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