Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has declared that her return to Bangladesh hinges on the restoration of participatory democracy, lifting of the ban on the Awami League, and conducting free and fair elections. In an exclusive interview with PTI, Hasina criticized the interim administration led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus for undermining Bangladesh’s relationship with India.
Hasina, who currently resides in India, expressed her gratitude towards the Indian government for providing refuge, stating, “I am immensely grateful to India’s government and its people for their kind hospitality.”
She emphasized that restoring democracy is fundamental for her return. “The most important condition for my return to Bangladesh is the same condition that the Bangladeshi people require: a return to participatory democracy,” she reinforced. Hasina insisted that the interim government must revoke the ban on her party and ensure inclusive elections to facilitate her return.
Bangladesh’s longest-serving leader, Hasina left the country on August 5, 2024, amid violent protests that prompted her resignation. Acknowledging the challenges she faced, the 78-year-old admitted, “Obviously, we lost control of the situation and that was regrettable,” attributing the unrest to “seasoned political firebrands masquerading as student leaders.”
Addressing concerns regarding the upcoming elections scheduled for February 2025, Hasina refuted claims that she has called for a boycott. She stressed that any election held without the Awami League would lack legitimacy. “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 asserted.
Hasina did not hold back in her critique of the interim leader, Dr. Yunus, claiming, “Yunus’ hostility to India is foolish and self-defeating.” She argued that his lack of democratic legitimacy and reliance on extremist elements could jeopardize Bangladesh’s strategic alliance with India. “His diplomatic missteps could harm bilateral ties,” she cautioned.
In light of the recent political unrest, Hasina reassured Indian citizens that the interim government does not reflect Bangladesh’s public sentiment, stating, “India is and will remain our nation’s most important friend.”
The former prime minister expressed her willingness to face trial under international supervision, stating, “even at the International Criminal Court (ICC).” She criticized Yunus for avoiding impartial scrutiny, asserting that, “an impartial tribunal would acquit me.”
Regarding the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal, which has sought the death penalty against her, Hasina dismissed it as a “kangaroo tribunal” aimed at politically neutralizing her and the Awami League. She remarked, “The fact that they would use the death penalty to silence opponents shows how little respect they have for democracy or due process.”
Hasina also observed that Yunus’ initial support from certain Western liberals is waning as they witness his growing ties with radical factions and his practices discriminating against minorities. “The narrative is shifting as they see him placing radicals in his cabinet, discriminating against minorities, and dismantling the constitution,” she concluded, painting a grim picture of the current political scenario in Bangladesh.
