Former Bangladesh prime minister and Bangladesh Awami League president Sheikh Hasina has said that her return to Bangladesh will be decided solely by her and not on the advice of India or any other foreign power, despite ongoing legal cases and a death sentence handed down against her.
Speaking in an online interview with journalist Amal Sarkar, Hasina said, “India is a democratic and sovereign state. They make decisions according to their own laws and international norms. Their decisions are entirely their own, and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on them. However, I can say that the decision regarding when and how I return to my country is entirely mine.”
“My strength lies in the people of Bangladesh and their love. Empowered by the strength of the people, I shall return. No unlawful verdict or political conspiracy can stop me,” she added.
Hasina’s remarks came amid growing political debate over her announced return to Bangladesh after months in India following her departure from the country on August 5, 2024. During a virtual Awami League meeting on May 17, she had declared, “Prepare a prison and gallows for me. Return my passport. Send a plane to take me away.”
The statement sparked strong reactions across Bangladesh, with Awami League supporters organising rallies and processions welcoming her planned return, while critics and opposition groups responded sharply.
May 17 carries historical significance for Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League. On the same day in 1981, Hasina returned to Bangladesh from India after more than six years in political exile following the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family members in 1975.
Hasina said she was initially unaware that she was being flown to India aboard a Bangladesh Air Force aircraft on August 5, 2024. According to her, security officials later informed her that remaining in Bangladesh could pose a serious threat to her life.
Responding to questions about the tribunal that sentenced her to death, Hasina alleged that the interim administration led by Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus had politically manipulated the International Crimes Tribunal.
“The tribunal established under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973 was originally created to prosecute war criminals,” she said. “The illegal interim government amended the law 37 times through four ordinances and conducted a politically motivated trial against me.”
Hasina further alleged that anti-Liberation War figures had been appointed as judges and prosecutors in the tribunal.
“The death sentence against me is not justice; it is revenge for the war crimes trials,” she said. “This kangaroo trial did not follow any standards of fair justice. I was denied the opportunity to defend myself legally.”
Drawing parallels with the imprisonment of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in a Pakistani prison during the 1971 Liberation War, Hasina said she was not afraid of death.
“My father was sentenced to death in a Pakistani jail in 1971, yet he did not bow his head. I am his daughter,” she said. “I have survived 19 assassination attempts. Threats, imprisonment and repression have never stopped me before, and they will not stop me now.”
Hasina also recalled her earlier political returns to Bangladesh. In 1981, she returned despite military rule under former president Ziaur Rahman. In 2007, she defied restrictions imposed by the military-backed caretaker government and returned to Bangladesh amid political uncertainty.
“In 1981, I returned as a grieving daughter to rebuild a political party. In 2007, I returned to restore democracy. This time, I must return to rebuild a country,” she said.
Hasina accused the current BNP-led administration of destroying state institutions, undermining the spirit of the Liberation War and isolating Bangladesh diplomatically.
“I had built Bangladesh on a strong foundation and improved people’s lives regardless of political identity,” she claimed. “After August 5, much of that has been destroyed.”
Calling herself an “experienced stateswoman,” Hasina said she understands the aspirations of the people and believes she can once again lead the country through crisis with public support.
“The path ahead will be difficult,” she said, “but together with the people, I believe Bangladesh can be rebuilt again.”
