Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has publicly declared her intention to return to her home country by December, asserting that the move is a responsibility she must fulfill. Hasina, who has been living in exile in India since August 2024, acknowledged the severe risks associated with her homecoming, including the possibility of arrest, torture, or even death at the hands of the current administration.
Speaking on her future plans, the former leader remained defiant regarding the potential consequences. “I will go back to Bangladesh in December. I am not afraid. I know they can kill me, arrest me and torture me… It’s my responsibility to go,” she stated. Despite the risks she explicitly mentioned, she emphasized her resolve, noting, “How risky it is, I don’t care. I have to go back.”
Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, provided a more measured perspective on the timeline, clarifying to journalists that no specific date for the return has been finalized. He indicated that any official announcement regarding her travel would be made closer to the time. The declaration comes amid a period of significant political tension between the current administration in Dhaka, led by Tarique Rahman, and the former prime minister.
Reflecting on her time in exile, Hasina expressed gratitude to the Indian government and its people for providing her with shelter during the political crisis. She drew parallels to the historical 1975 military coup, during which she and her sister narrowly survived the assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, along with her mother and three brothers. She stated that the support she received upon arriving in India mirrored the assistance provided to her during that earlier period of national turmoil.
The political climate in Bangladesh remains strained, with the current leadership characterizing Hasina as a “fugitive criminal.” Authorities in Dhaka have repeatedly urged New Delhi to ensure that the former prime minister does not engage in political activities or make public statements while residing on Indian soil. Conversely, the government of Bangladesh has maintained that any potential return for Hasina will be treated as a standard legal procedure that must follow the due process of the law.
Hasina has openly criticized the current administration, alleging that criminal proceedings are being utilized against her and members of her party, the Bangladesh Awami League, to suppress political opposition. She advocated for a resolution to these allegations through what she termed a “fair trial” and stressed that the future of Bangladesh’s political landscape should be determined by its citizens through free, inclusive, and democratic processes.
The situation represents a complex diplomatic challenge for India. While India has extended refuge to the former leader, the government has also signaled its intention to maintain ties with the new administration in Dhaka. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was noted as one of the first international leaders to offer congratulations to Tarique Rahman following his election victory. As December approaches, the status of Hasina’s return remains a central point of interest in regional geopolitics, with the government of Bangladesh maintaining its stance on legal proceedings for those it considers fugitives.
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