Sheikh Hasina Reveals Three Key Conditions for Her Return to Bangladesh Following Political Exile

Sheikh Hasina, who fled Bangladesh in August 2024 amid anti-government protests, has outlined three key conditions for her potential return to her homeland.

In an exclusive email interview with PTI from an undisclosed location in India, the ousted former Bangladesh Prime Minister stated that her return depends on the restoration of "participatory democracy," lifting of the ban on the Awami League, and the conduct of free, fair and inclusive elections.

Hasina expressed concerns about the current interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, accusing it of "endangering ties with India and empowering extremist forces." She emphasized that the "broad and deep" relationship between Dhaka and New Delhi should withstand what she termed the "foolhardiness of the Yunus interlude."

Extending her gratitude to the Indian government for providing refuge, Hasina said she was "immensely grateful to India's government and its people for their kind hospitality."

"The most important condition for my return to Bangladesh is the same condition that the Bangladeshi people require: a return to participatory democracy. The interim administration must rescind its ban on the Awami League and allow elections that are free, fair, and inclusive," she told PTI.

Hasina, who served as Bangladesh's longest-serving prime minister, departed the country on August 5, 2024, following weeks of violent anti-government demonstrations. The widespread protests forced her resignation and subsequent relocation to India, making way for Yunus to lead an interim administration.

When questioned about her government's handling of the protests, the 78-year-old leader acknowledged, "Obviously, we lost control of the situation and that was regrettable." She added, "There are many lessons to be learned from these terrible incidents, but in my view, some of the responsibility is also on the so-called student leaders (actually seasoned political firebrands) who whipped up the crowds."

Hasina firmly rejected reports suggesting she had called for a boycott of the upcoming elections scheduled for February next year. She insisted that any election excluding the Awami League would lack legitimacy.

"Tens of millions of people support us...That would be a huge missed opportunity for our country, which badly needs a government ruling with the people's genuine consent. I hope this foolish ban will be rescinded...Whether in government or in opposition, the Awami League needs to be part of the political conversation in Bangladesh," she stated.

Asserting that India has "always been Bangladesh's most important international relationship," Hasina criticized the interim government under Yunus for jeopardizing ties with New Delhi through what she described as "foolish and self-defeating" diplomatic missteps.

"Yunus' hostility to India is foolish and self-defeating in the extreme and reveals him for the weak monarch he is, unelected, chaotic, and dependent upon the support of extremists," she alleged. "I hope he doesn't make too many more diplomatic missteps before exiting the stage."

To Indians concerned about the current hostile environment in Bangladesh, Hasina offered reassurance: "The interim government doesn't represent what our countrymen and women think. India is and will remain our nation's most important friend."

Hasina also expressed her willingness to stand trial under international supervision, "even at the International Criminal Court," but claimed that Yunus has avoided such a process because an impartial tribunal would acquit her.

"I have repeatedly challenged Yunus' government to prosecute me in the International Criminal Court, if it is so confident of its case. Yunus continues to duck this challenge because he knows that the ICC, a genuinely impartial tribunal, would certainly acquit me," she said.

She dismissed Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal, which has initiated proceedings against her and where prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, as "a kangaroo tribunal" controlled by her political opponents.

"They are trying to neutralise both me and the Awami League as political forces. The fact that they would use the death penalty to suppress their opponents reveals how little respect they have for democracy or due process," she alleged.

According to Hasina, Yunus enjoyed "at least the passive support of some western liberals" who wrongly thought he was one of them.

"Now that they have seen him place radicals into his cabinet, discriminate against minorities, and dismantle the constitution, hopefully they are withdrawing their support," she concluded.