Exiled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has launched a sharp critique of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, warning that Bangladesh is facing a “deep crisis” marked by constitutional irregularities, deteriorating law and order, and the exclusion of major political forces from the democratic process.
Speaking in an interview with News18.com, Hasina said the current administration lacks constitutional legitimacy and is governing through measures that bypass parliament. She described the legal cases against herself, her family, and her party as politically motivated acts of “victor’s justice,” arguing that they are intended to sideline the Awami League from national politics ahead of the next general election.
“I closely follow developments at home,” Hasina said. “My greatest hope is peace, stability, and security for all Bangladeshis. Political exclusion, attacks on minorities, and the worsening economic situation after last year’s unrest are deeply worrying. Democracy is under threat, law and order has nearly collapsed, and ordinary people are living in fear.”
July–August 2024 unrest
Addressing the student-led protests that erupted over public sector job quotas in mid-2024—later spiraling into nationwide unrest that preceded her resignation and departure to India—Hasina called the period “tragic.”
While acknowledging that the protests began with legitimate demands, she blamed “irresponsible political maneuvering and harsh management” for the loss of control that followed, leading to civilian deaths.
Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has since described the July–August violence as “genocide” and held Hasina responsible for the deaths. She rejected the verdict outright, saying the tribunal has been repurposed for political revenge.
“The ICT was created to try war crimes related to 1971, not to settle contemporary political disputes,” she said. “It has never been about justice in my case. It is controlled by my political opponents, and due process has been denied.”
Hasina alleged that she was deprived of the right to choose her own lawyers, that trials were rushed, and that evidence was either weak or fabricated. She argued that any constitutional amendments or changes to the tribunal made without parliamentary approval are invalid and could create serious legal complications in the future.
Legitimacy and elections
The former prime minister warned that actions taken by a non-elected government—particularly changes affecting the judiciary and constitutional institutions—risk long-term damage to Bangladesh’s political culture.
She questioned what would happen if a future elected parliament were to reject recent constitutional changes, especially in cases where capital punishment has already been handed down.
Hasina also criticized the reported exclusion of the Awami League from the planned February 2026 election, saying it would disenfranchise millions of voters and undermine the credibility of any poll. “An election without inclusive participation cannot be free or fair,” she said.
Corruption cases and exile
In December 2025, a Dhaka court sentenced Hasina to five years in prison in a land allocation corruption case. She dismissed the ruling as another politically driven prosecution, claiming the case lacked credible evidence and was conducted without transparency.
On the question of extradition from India, Hasina said any such process must be governed by law, not politics. She called for impartial investigations free from political control as a basis for national reconciliation.
Minorities, reforms, and foreign policy
Hasina expressed concern over reports of attacks on minority communities, urging the state to ensure equal protection for all citizens. She also voiced skepticism about the interim government’s proposed electoral and judicial reforms, arguing that an unelected administration should exercise restraint rather than consolidate power.
While cautioning against foreign relationships that might harm Bangladesh’s national interest, she warned that external influence enabling extremist groups would pose a serious security risk.
Conditions for return
Asked when she might return to Bangladesh, Hasina said it would depend on the restoration of democratic norms. “When justice, inclusive politics, minority rights, and democracy are reestablished, I will return,” she said.
Concluding her remarks, the former prime minister emphasized that Bangladesh’s stability depends on an inclusive political process and the rule of law. “Bangladesh cannot be pushed to the brink,” she said. “The only way forward is the restoration of democracy through peaceful and participatory means.”
