Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made her future political plans clear in an exclusive interview with India’s influential newspaper The New Indian Express.
Expressing a firm resolve to contest the upcoming national election, she dismissed the allegations of corruption amounting to 234 billion dollars against her government as “ridiculous.”
This is Sheikh Hasina’s first media interview since stepping down in the face of a massive student–public uprising. In the interview, she clearly stated that she is not quitting politics and believes in a change of power only through democratic processes.
Her remarks are being viewed as an important message for the embattled leaders and activists of the Awami League, potentially helping the party reorganize after her ouster.
Sheikh Hasina outright rejected the allegations of massive corruption—particularly the claim of embezzling 234 billion dollars—calling them “ridiculous.” She asserted that these accusations are completely baseless and politically motivated. Without going into details, she described the charges as part of a “propaganda campaign” against her.
At one point in the interview, she also criticized Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, questioning whether he is receiving special treatment because of his “famous international friends.” This reflects her long-standing criticism of Dr. Yunus.
Regarding casualties during the mass movement, the interview states that Sheikh Hasina, for the first time, acknowledged her “responsibility as a leader.” However, political circles are now analyzing the exact context in which she made this remark.
After a long silence, Sheikh Hasina’s interview has created a significant stir in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Her announcement of re-entering the electoral arena and her strategy to counter corruption allegations are already prompting discussions among analysts about how this may reshape the country’s political dynamics in the days ahead.
