Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has firmly rejected speculation that she is preparing to retire from politics, saying she cannot abandon her party at a time when its leaders and activists are facing what she described as political persecution.
In an interview with the Indian newspaper Ei Samay, the first part of which was published on Tuesday, Hasina dismissed suggestions that she intends to step away from political life. The speculation dates back to August 2024, when her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, said she had become deeply disappointed by recent developments in Bangladesh and had decided not to continue in politics.
Responding to a question about whether she still stood by that reported decision, Hasina rejected the claim outright.
“How can I say I am going to rest at a time when democracy is under attack and our party leaders and activists are suffering?” she said.
Hasina stated that she would only consider retirement after ensuring the emergence of a new generation of Awami League leadership capable of carrying forward the spirit of Bangladesh’s Liberation War and securing the country’s future progress.
Asked who might succeed her, the Awami League chief emphasized that leadership would be determined democratically through the party’s council process and the opinions of grassroots members.
“This is a democratic party. Leadership will be elected through the council and based on the views of party workers,” she said.
At the same time, Hasina acknowledged that the Awami League is currently undergoing what she described as a process of “natural purification.”
Since the fall of the Awami League government following the July-August 2024 mass uprising, Hasina has been residing in India. Bangladeshi authorities have stated that diplomatic efforts are underway to bring her back to face legal proceedings.
During the interview, Hasina reiterated her intention to return to Bangladesh.
“I will return empowered by the strength of the people, with the pride of restoring democracy and the determination to rebuild the country,” she said.
