Saturday, March 29, 2025
Sheikh Hasina Breaks Silence: “I Live Freely in Delhi, But I’ll Return Home Only If Bangladesh Restores Legitimate Rule”
After nearly a year of silence, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has spoken publicly for the first time since stepping down amid violent protests last August. In an exclusive interaction, Hasina opened up about her life in exile, the future of the Awami League, the criminal cases against her, and her conditions for returning home.
According to reports, Hasina, who sought refuge in India after fleeing Bangladesh by helicopter when violence erupted in Dhaka, has been living in New Delhi. Witnesses spotted her strolling in Lodhi Gardens a few months ago, accompanied by two security personnel.
Recalling her traumatic past, the 78-year-old leader said she still lives with caution due to her family’s history. “In 1975, during the military coup, my father and three brothers were assassinated. My sister and I survived only because we were abroad,” Hasina said.
Speaking about the Awami League’s role, she added, “Our party will return to Bangladesh’s political scene — whether in power or in opposition. This is not about me or my family; the country’s future depends on constitutional governance and political stability. No individual or family can define Bangladesh’s destiny.”
Hasina made it clear that she wants to return home, but only under certain conditions. “I definitely want to go back, but only if the government there is legitimate, the constitution is upheld, and law and order are maintained,” she said.
She warned that if the Awami League is barred from contesting the 2026 elections, millions of supporters will boycott the polls. “Banning the Awami League is not just wrong — it’s dangerous for the government itself. The next administration must have electoral legitimacy,” Hasina emphasized.
The Yunus-led interim government has promised to hold general elections in February 2026. However, earlier this year, the administration banned the Awami League’s political activities, citing national security concerns and war crime allegations. In May 2025, the Election Commission suspended the Awami League’s registration.
Hasina expressed hope that the situation would improve. “We are not asking our supporters to vote for another party. We believe the government will act wisely and allow us to participate in the elections,” she said, though she declined to comment on any backchannel talks with Dhaka.
Hasina also addressed the ongoing trial at Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), which has completed proceedings in a case accusing her of crimes against humanity during the 2024 student protests.
According to a United Nations report, between July 15 and August 5, 2024, around 1,400 people were killed and thousands injured, mostly due to security forces’ gunfire. Prosecutors allege that Hasina ordered the abduction, torture, and secret detention of opposition activists through state agencies. The verdict is expected on November 13.
Hasina strongly denied the allegations, calling them “politically motivated fabrications.” She said, “These are show trials — verdicts are pre-decided. I was given no prior notice, no opportunity to defend myself.”
Despite her exile, Hasina insists her struggle continues: “The Awami League represents millions. If we are silenced, Bangladesh’s democracy will not survive.”
