Sheikh Hasina Defies Bangladesh Court Verdict and Vows to Continue Fighting for Her Country Despite Exile

Sheikh Hasina was compelled to seek refuge in India following a nationwide protest that overthrew her government last year.

New Delhi:

A Bangladesh court examining serious allegations against the country's deposed Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, has stated she merits maximum punishment for crimes against humanity during last year's uprising. Prior to the verdict, Hasina declared the accusations against her were fabricated and expressed indifference toward such judgments.

In an audio message to her supporters before the International Crimes Tribunal ruling, the Awami League leader claimed the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus aims to eliminate her party. "It is not so simple, Awami League has emerged from the grassroots, not from the pocket of some power usurper," the 78-year-old stated in Bengali.

Hasina mentioned her supporters had responded instinctively to protest plans in Bangladesh. "They have provided us with confidence. People will demonstrate to this corrupt, militant, and murderous Yunus and his associates how Bangladesh can transform; the people will deliver justice," she remarked.

A close Indian ally, Hasina fled to Delhi last year after nationwide protests against her administration turned violent. She resigned shortly before her escape. Following her departure, an interim government headed by Yunus assumed power and accused her of crimes against humanity. The court handling the case ordered Hasina to participate in the trial in Dhaka, but she ignored the summons.

Urging her supporters not to be concerned, the veteran leader said, "I am alive, I will remain alive, I will continue working for people's welfare, and I will ensure justice on Bangladesh's soil."

Accusing Yunus of seizing power unlawfully, she stated the Bangladesh constitution declares forcibly removing elected representatives from their positions is punishable. "Yunus has done precisely that through his calculated schemes," she said.

Her government, she explained, had accepted the student protesters' demands during last year's uprising, but additional demands continued emerging. "The objective was to create an anarchic situation."

Dismissing human rights violation allegations against her regime, she questioned, "I provided refuge to 1 million Rohingya and they accuse me of violating human rights?"

The Yunus-led administration, she claimed, granted amnesty to individuals who murdered police officers, Awami League workers, lawyers, journalists, and cultural figures. "By extending amnesty to such people, he has effectively brought the blame upon himself," she stated.

The amnesty has eliminated justice opportunities for victims' families, Hasina remarked. "What kind of humanity is this?" she questioned.

"Let them issue a verdict. I don't care. Allah gave me life, Allah will take it, but I will continue working for my country's people. I have lost my parents, my siblings, and they burned down my home," she expressed.

Criticizing the vandalism and looting at Gonobhaban, the Bangladesh Prime Minister's residence, following her removal, she stated, "Gonobhaban is not my property, it is government property. They are calling it a revolution. Hooligans and terrorists cannot create a revolution."

Emphasizing that such court rulings won't deter her, Hasina said, "I am with the people. I am telling my party workers: don't worry, it is a matter of time, I know you are suffering, we will not forget this, everything will be accounted for. And I believe I will be able to reciprocate, inshallah."

The Awami League government, she maintained, improved people's lives. "Today, unemployment is rising. There is no income. There is no production in the country. Industries are shutting down. Banks are being plundered. We must liberate Bangladesh from this situation. Everyone, please stay well. Jai Bangla, Jai Bangla, Bangladesh," she concluded.