Sheikh Hasina, the ousted former prime minister of Bangladesh, has made it clear that her return to her homeland hinges on the restoration of participatory democracy, the lifting of the ban on the Awami League, and the organization of free, fair, and inclusive elections. In an exclusive email interview with PTI, Hasina expressed serious concerns about the dangers posed by the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
Speaking from an undisclosed location in India, Hasina alleged that the unelected Yunus administration is jeopardizing Bangladesh’s critical ties with India and empowering extremist factions. She expressed profound gratitude towards the Indian government for providing her shelter during this turbulent time, emphasizing the warmth she received from the Indian public.
“The most important condition for my return to Bangladesh is the same condition that the Bangladeshi people require: a return to participatory democracy,” Hasina stated firmly. She highlighted that the interim government must annul the prohibition on the Awami League to facilitate meaningful elections.
Hasina, renowned as Bangladesh’s longest-serving leader, left the country on August 5, 2024, following violent anti-government protests that forced her to resign and seek refuge in India. Reflecting on the confrontations, she acknowledged, “Obviously, we lost control of the situation and that was regrettable,” attributing the unrest to skilled political agitators posing as student leaders.
Importantly, Hasina refuted claims that she urged a boycott of upcoming elections, which are slated for February 2025. She insisted that any electoral process that excludes the Awami League would be devoid of 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 argued.
Turning her attention to Dr. Yunus, Hasina launched a vehement criticism, asserting that his approach towards India could severely undermine bilateral relations. “Yunus’ hostility to India is foolish and self-defeating… He is unelected, chaotic, and dependent on extremist forces,” she stated, cautioning that his diplomatic blunders could complicate ties that are crucial for Bangladesh.
In a bid to reassure citizens of India who may feel anxious about the political landscape in Bangladesh, Hasina reassured, “The interim government doesn’t represent what our people think. India is and will remain our nation’s most important friend.” This statement underlined her commitment to preserving close relations with India.
Additionally, Hasina expressed her willingness to face trial under international oversight, including in the International Criminal Court (ICC), while accusing Yunus of evading such examination. She criticized the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal, which seeks the death penalty against her, labeling it a “kangaroo tribunal” intended to eliminate political opposition.
“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 reiterated, signaling her resilience against the charges brought against her.
In a closing statement about Yunus’s declining support from the West, Hasina claimed his initial backing from Western liberals is dissipating as they witness his decision to appoint radicals to his cabinet, enact discrimination against minorities, and undermine constitutional principles.
