Ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh stated that her return to her home country relies on the restoration of participatory democracy, lifting the ban on her political party, and conducting fair elections. These remarks came in an exclusive interview with PTI from an undisclosed location in India.
Hasina, the longest-serving leader in Bangladesh’s history, accused the unelected interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus of ruining bilateral ties with India and empowering extremist factions.
In her statement, she expressed immense gratitude for the hospitality provided by the Indian government and its people. “I am immensely grateful to India’s government and its people for their kind hospitality,” Hasina said.
“The most important condition for my return to Bangladesh is the same condition that the Bangladeshi people require: a return to participatory democracy,” she asserted. The former leader insisted that the interim government must rescind the ban on the Awami League to allow for an inclusive electoral process.
Hasina left Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, after violent anti-government protests led to her resignation and departure. Reflecting on the protests, she acknowledged, “Obviously, we lost control of the situation and that was regrettable,” attributing the unrest to political groups masquerading as student leaders inflaming tensions.
Addressing allegations regarding her calls for a boycott of the upcoming elections scheduled for February 2025, she firmly dismissed them, stating that any election excluding the Awami League would lack legitimacy. “Tens of millions of people support us,” she said, highlighting the necessity of popular consent for any legitimate government.
Hasina launched a vigorous critique against her successor, Dr. Yunus, asserting that his antagonism towards India risks damaging Bangladesh’s vital strategic partnership. “Yunus’ hostility to India is foolish and self-defeating… He is unelected, chaotic, and dependent on extremist forces,” she claimed, suggesting that his diplomatic errors endangered national interests.
Reassuring Indians worried about Bangladesh’s political trajectory, she emphasized, “The interim government doesn’t represent what our people think. India is and will remain our nation’s most important friend.”
Furthermore, Hasina expressed willingness to undergo a trial under international supervision, including potentially at the International Criminal Court (ICC). She accused the Yunus administration of avoiding such scrutiny, suggesting that an impartial trial would likely exonerate her.
Commenting on the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal, which has sought the death penalty against her, Hasina labeled it a “kangaroo tribunal,” claiming it aimed to politically neutralize her and the Awami League. She warned that the use of extreme penalties to silence political rivals reflects a concerning lack of respect for democracy.
According to Hasina, although Yunus initially gained some passive support from Western liberals, that support is waning as they witness his government appointing radicals, discriminating against minorities, and eroding constitutional protections.
