Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has declared her intent to return to Bangladesh, stating that she is prepared to face imprisonment or worse for the sake of her country. Speaking during a virtual address organized by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC) of South Asia, Hasina emphasized that her decision to return is not about regaining political power, but about restoring stability, secularism, and economic development.
Key Highlights from the Address
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Pledge to Return: Hasina set a specific timeline for her return, stating, “December is our victory month. So, I want to go back in the month of December. I know I may face anything… They may put me in jail or kill me, but I will go back home to be with my people.”
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Emotional Tribute: During the session, Hasina broke down in tears while paying homage to her father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and recalling the tragic assassination of her family members during the 1975 military coup.
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Reframing the 2024 Unrest: Addressing the July–August 2024 protests that led to her departure, Hasina disputed the narrative that it was a spontaneous student uprising. She cited Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s own past comments describing it as a “meticulously designed” initiative to argue it was an orchestrated campaign for regime change outside the ballot box.
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Allegations of Targeted Persecution: She alleged that political persecution has surged since August 5, claiming that Awami League members, minorities, and journalists are being targeted, and that symbols of the 1971 Liberation War—including her family’s historic residence at Dhanmondi 32—have been vandalized.
India Maintains Official Distance
Following the virtual press event hosted from India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) moved quickly to clarify its official stance.
“The government has no involvement whatsoever in it. Neither does it endorse any views that may be expressed at the forum.” — Randhir Jaiswal, MEA Spokesperson
The Ministry emphasized that while Sheikh Hasina was granted safe haven in India, the Indian government strictly adheres to its policy of prohibiting foreign political figures from using Indian territory to conduct political activities directed against another sovereign country.
