Ousted former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stated that her return to Bangladesh depends solely on the restoration of “participatory democracy” and the lifting of restrictions on her party, the Awami League. In a revealing interview with the Press Trust of India (PTI) from an undisclosed location in India, Hasina criticized the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus for jeopardizing the crucial ties between Bangladesh and India.
Hasina expressed profound gratitude towards the Indian government and its citizens for granting her refuge, stating, “I am immensely grateful to India’s government and its people for their kind hospitality.” This statement underscores the longstanding relationship between Bangladesh and India, which Hasina sees at risk because of the current regime.
“The most important condition for my return to Bangladesh is the same condition that the Bangladeshi people require: a return to participatory democracy,” Hasina emphasized, reinforcing her commitment to democratic principles. She demanded that the Yunus government lift the ban on the Awami League and commit to organizing free, fair, and inclusive elections.
Hasina, the longest-serving leader in Bangladesh’s history, fled the country on August 5, 2024, following a wave of violent protests that led to her resignation. When asked if her administration mishandled the protests, the 78-year-old admitted, “Obviously, we lost control of the situation and that was regrettable,” while attributing some of the unrest to powerful political figures disguised as student leaders.
She firmly rejected allegations claiming she called for a boycott of upcoming polls in February 2025. Instead, Hasina stated that any election lacking the participation of the Awami League would be illegitimate. “Tens of millions of people support us… It would be a huge missed opportunity for a country that needs a government with genuine consent of the people,” she asserted.
In her interview, Hasina unleashed a strong critique against Dr. Yunus, denouncing his approach as detrimental to Bangladesh’s relationship with India. “Yunus’ hostility to India is foolish and self-defeating… He is unelected, chaotic, and dependent on extremist forces,” she declared. Hasina warned that Yunus’ diplomatic errors could cause significant damage to bilateral relations that have historically been strong.
She reassured Indian citizens who may feel anxious about recent developments in Bangladesh, stating, “The interim government doesn’t represent what our people think. India is and will remain our nation’s most important friend.” This reassurance is critical, especially as regional stability remains a priority for both nations.
Further addressing her critics, Hasina expressed her willingness to undergo trial under international supervision, even at the International Criminal Court (ICC). She claimed that Yunus avoids such scrutiny due to the fear that an impartial tribunal would exonerate her. “They want 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,” Hasina alleged.
In her pointed remarks, Hasina dismissed the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal, which has sought the death penalty against her, labeling it a “kangaroo tribunal” used for political neutralization of the Awami League. She pointed out that Yunus initially enjoyed backing from Western liberals, but that support has waned as they observed his association with radical elements and the erosion of rights.
