New Delhi, November 13: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has vowed to return to her country despite the possibility of arrest, imprisonment or even death, saying she would rather die on the soil of her homeland than remain away from her people.
In an exclusive audio interview with IANS, Hasina said personal safety had never stopped her from standing by her beliefs. Recalling her earlier returns to Bangladesh amid political uncertainty and security threats, she said she was prepared to face the consequences of returning to Dhaka.
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“Look, I understand the risks very well. I may be arrested the moment I arrive. They may send me to prison. They may even try to kill me. I have considered all these possibilities,” Hasina said.
She recalled returning to Bangladesh in 1981 despite military rule and again in 2007, when she faced the possibility of arrest under the military-backed government. According to Hasina, she has also faced imprisonment and repeated attempts on her life.
“Fear has never stopped me from doing what I believe is right,” she told IANS.
Hasina Expresses Concern Over Situation in Bangladesh
Speaking about the current situation in Bangladesh, Hasina expressed concern over what she described as the persecution of Awami League leaders and workers and the hardships faced by ordinary citizens.
She said families were losing their homes and livelihoods, while political leaders and party workers were facing difficult circumstances.
Hasina maintained that the suffering of people in Bangladesh had strengthened her determination to return and stand beside them, regardless of the risks involved.
“I have spent my entire political life with the people of Bangladesh. Whatever happens to me, I want to stand beside them. If I have to die, I would rather die on the soil of my own country, among my own people,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina Denies Ordering Killings During 2024 Uprising
During the interview, Hasina also responded to allegations surrounding deaths during the 2024 uprising in Bangladesh.
The former Prime Minister categorically denied ordering the killing of innocent people and described every death as tragic. She said she had wanted a proper investigation into the incidents and had established a Judicial Enquiry Commission on July 18, 2024, under the leadership of a High Court judge.
According to Hasina, the commission was expanded into a three-member body on August 1 to ensure that the incidents could be examined more thoroughly.
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However, she accused the former Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of stopping the investigation after taking power.
Hasina also questioned the subsequent legal protection reportedly granted to participants in the uprising for acts classified as “political resistance”.
She alleged that, while the investigation she had initiated was halted, murder cases were filed against her and thousands of Awami League leaders, activists and workers.
“If they really wanted the truth, why did they stop the judicial investigation that I had already established? Why should there be different standards of justice depending on someone’s political identity?” she questioned.
Hasina Rejects International Crimes Tribunal Verdict
Hasina also rejected the proceedings and verdict of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), claiming that she was not given a genuine opportunity to defend herself.
She said she would examine the lawful options available to challenge the verdict.
“As for the tribunal, I reject both the proceedings and the verdict. I was denied what I consider a genuine opportunity to defend myself. I will examine whatever lawful options are available to challenge that verdict,” she told IANS.
Her remarks come amid continuing political tensions in Bangladesh, with the former Prime Minister maintaining that she intends to return despite the legal and personal risks she says she faces.
–IANS
