Sheikh Hasina, the ousted former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has declared her return to the country hinges on the restoration of “participatory democracy.” In an exclusive interview with PTI while in India, she outlined specific conditions including the lifting of the ban on her party, the Awami League, and the need for free and fair elections.
Hasina emphasized the crisis in Bangladesh under interim leader Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s unelected government, stating it jeopardizes relationships with nations like India and fuels extremism. “The most important condition for my return is the same that Bangladeshi people seek: a genuine democracy,” Hasina stated firmly.
On August 5, 2024, Hasina left her homeland amid weeks of violent protests culminating in her resignation. She expressed gratitude to the Indian government for extending her refuge during these tumultuous times. “I am immensely grateful to India’s government and its people for their kind hospitality,” she shared.
Reflecting on the unrest that led to her departure, the 78-year-old acknowledged, “Obviously, we lost control of the situation and that was regrettable.” She blamed political firebrands misusing their roles as student leaders for fanning the flames of dissent.
Addressing concerns, Hasina denied she advocated for a boycott of the upcoming elections, asserting that any polls that exclude the Awami League would lack legitimacy. “Tens of millions of people support us. It would be a huge missed opportunity for a country that urgently needs a government founded on true public consent,” she emphasized.
Hasina did not shy away from criticizing Yunus’s government, describing his actions as detrimental to Bangladesh’s crucial strategic relations, particularly with India. She expressed that Yunus’s “hostility to India is foolish and self-defeating,” warning his tactics could result in harmful diplomatic consequences.
Reassuring Indian citizens, Hasina insisted, “The interim government doesn’t represent what our people think. India is and will remain our nation’s most vital friend.” Her remarks aimed to stabilize perceptions of Bangladesh’s increasingly strained political climate.
In an interesting development, she offered to stand trial under international supervision, stating, “I would even go to the ICC,” referencing the proposed trial as a testament to transparency. She claimed Yunus avoids such scrutiny out of fear that an impartial tribunal would vindicate her.
Furthermore, she denounced the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal, which has sought the death penalty against her, labeling it as a “kangaroo tribunal” meant to politically marginalize her party. Hasina argued, “They want to eliminate us as political forces. By proposing the death penalty against opponents, they show their utter disrespect for democracy and due process.”
Hasina pointed out that Yunus once benefited from the backing of Western liberals. However, she indicated that this support appears to be dwindling due to fears regarding the radicalization of his cabinet and the infringement of minority rights. “They are witnessing his administration’s alarming trends and discrimination, which are dismantling our foundational constitution,” she concluded.
