Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has announced her plan to return to Bangladesh by the end of this year. She is currently in exile and is staying in India. Sheikh Hasina reiterated that despite facing a death sentence she will go back to Dhaka and her return is aimed at restoring democracy, rule of law and political rights in the country. Sheikh Hasina was ousted from the country in August 2024 as an impact of the massive student uprising. Since then, Dhaka was ruled by an interim government led by the Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.
In February 2026, the national elections were held and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party(BNP) under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman rose to power with a landslide victory. Not just Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power, but her Awami League political party was banned and barred from contesting the elections. Thus, after two years, Sheikh Hasina has vowed to return to Dhaka. She made these statements while giving an interview to a private media platform.
Sheikh Hasina was also imposed a death sentence by a Special Tribunal in Dhaka for alleged Crimes against Humanity. In the interview she asserted, “I will be back home this year”. She also reiterated that her Awami League party is not just an organisation, but a force. Meanwhile, on June 23, Tuesday, Awami league also celebrated its 77th foundation day, despite facing a nationwide ban in Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina in the interview further added that her return to Bangladesh is not a personal ambition, but it is for the restoration of democracy and political rights of the people of Bangladesh. “I do not do politics for power. I do politics for the welfare of the people of Bangladesh and for the fulfilment of the dream of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, to build a Sonar Bangla”, she said in the interview to the private media platform.
The verdict is illegal & unconstitutional
Speaking about the death sentence on her, Sheikh Hasina exclaimed that the verdict is illegal, unconstitutional and politically motivated. “The judiciary has been turned into an instrument of political revenge to make the Awami League leaderless. Such attempts have been made before. They failed then, and they will fail again”, Sheikh Hasina added. “I do not fear death. In 1975, I lost my parents and almost my entire family. But breaking through every web of conspiracy, I stood beside the people of Bangladesh. I was elected Prime Minister five times and worked for the country’s unprecedented development. So, I want to say clearly: overcoming every obstacle and every conspiracy, I will return to my country this year”, Sheikh Hasina said in the interview.
Sheikh Hasina hopes about the re-emergence of Awami League
Speaking about the re-emergence of the Awami League political party, Sheikh Hasina expressed that each time the party is attacked, it has emerged again with the strength of the people. “Anti-Bangladesh forces removed the Awami League from state power through a conspiratorial and meticulously designed movement by misleading a section of the people. But despite all their efforts, they could not erase the Awami League from the hearts of the people”, Sheikh Hasina added.
“The economy has weakened. Minorities are under attack. Extremism is spreading”, Sheikh Hasina explained about the current state of Bangladesh and reiterated that the people of Bangladesh will again choose Awami League for security and development. “My message to our leaders, activists and supporters on the party’s 77th year is simple: stay united and stand beside the people. Deepen your bond with people in every village, every neighbourhood, every ward and every union. Stand beside the persecuted. Be uncompromising on the security and dignity of minorities, women, children, working people, the poor and the marginalised. The politics of the Awami League is not for revenge. It is the politics of rights, security, dignity, and development”, Sheikh Hasina gave a message to her party workers during the interview.
Attack on temples & minority Hindu community is an attack on the independence of Bangladesh
Speaking about the targeted attack on the minority Hindu community of Bangladesh and the vandalism of temples, Sheikh Hasina said that since August 5, 2024 Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, indigenous communities, Ahmadis and people associated with Sufi shrines have all been unsafe. Temples have been vandalised. Idols have been broken. Homes have been looted. Extortion, violence against women and obstruction of religious ceremonies have continued. Chinmoy Krishna Das, who spoke for minority rights, is still in prison in a false case.
“Want to say clearly: minorities are not a vote bank. They are citizens of Bangladesh with equal dignity. In the great Liberation War of 1971, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, and people of all communities fought shoulder to shoulder, rising above religion, caste and identity, to make the country independent. Bangabandhu dreamt of a non-communal Bangladesh where people of all religions would live with equal rights. That Bangladesh cannot be allowed to become hostage to communal aggression and extremism”, Sheikh Hasina further affirmed.
“Those who attack minorities, vandalise temples, or threaten people in the name of religion are not merely enemies of one community. They are the enemies of the spirit of Bangladesh’s independence. This is a shame for independent Bangladesh. The security of minorities must be ensured. Attacks on temples and places of worship must be brought to justice. Ensuring religious freedom, equal rights and security is a fundamental duty of the state”, Sheikh Hasina further added.
