Ousted former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared her return to Bangladesh depends on the restoration of “participatory democracy” and lifting the ban on her party, the Awami League. In an exclusive email interview with PTI from a location in India, Hasina criticized the interim Yunus administration for compromising India-Bangladesh relations and enabling extremist groups.
Hasina expressed deep gratitude to the Indian government and its citizens for providing her refuge. She stated, “I am immensely grateful to India’s government and its people for their kind hospitality,” further stressing her commitment to return only under democratic conditions.
“The most important condition for my return to Bangladesh is the same condition that the Bangladeshi people require: a return to participatory democracy,” Hasina affirmed. She insisted any elections should be inclusive and the ban on the Awami League must be lifted.
Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s longest-serving leader, resigned amid violent protests that erupted against her government. After weeks of turmoil, she left the country on August 5, 2024, seeking safety in India.
Regarding her administration’s handling of the protests, Hasina acknowledged, “Obviously, we lost control of the situation and that was regrettable.” She attributed the unrest to seasoned political activists masquerading as student leaders who escalated the tensions.
Countering allegations of encouraging a boycott of upcoming elections set for February next year, Hasina stated that excluding the Awami League would make any election illegitimate. “Tens of millions of people support us… It would be a huge missed opportunity for a country that badly needs a government with genuine consent of the people,” she emphasized.
In a fervent critique of the interim leader Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Hasina claimed his actions threaten to weaken Bangladesh’s vital relationship with India. “Yunus’ hostility towards India is foolish and self-defeating… He is unelected, chaotic, and dependent on extremist forces,” she warned, underscoring the importance of maintaining robust bilateral ties.
To reassure Indian citizens unsettled by recent political upheaval in Bangladesh, Hasina affirmed, “The interim government doesn’t represent what our people think. India is and will remain our nation’s most important friend.”
Hasina also mentioned her willingness to undergo trial under international supervision, stating her readiness to face the International Criminal Court (ICC) if necessary. She accused Yunus of dodging such oversight due to fears of acquittal from an impartial tribunal.
Labeling the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal as a “kangaroo tribunal,” Hasina asserted that the proceedings primarily serve to politically neutralize her and the Awami League. “They intend to eliminate us as political forces. The fact that they would use the death penalty to silence opponents shows how little respect they have for democracy or due process,” she declared.
Commenting on Yunus’ initial backing from Western liberals, she noted that such support is dwindling as they witness his alignment with radical elements and discriminatory policies.
