‘Even death is acceptable, but…’, Sheikh Hasina’s big statement on returning to Bangladesh

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has been living in India since her removal from power in August 2024. She has said that she wants to return to her country by December this year. She also said that she is fully aware that if she returns, she may be arrested, sent to jail or even her life may be in danger, but despite this she wants to go back to her country.

In an interview given to news agency AFP, 78-year-old Sheikh Hasina answered questions through email. He said that he was aware of all the dangers facing him. She said, “I can be killed. I can be arrested. I can be sent to jail. I am fully aware of my fate. Still I want to go back because my people are calling me.”

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Sheikh Hasina’s 15 year old government had fallen

Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year-old government fell after a major student-led movement in August 2024. During that time, protesters attacked her official residence, after which she left the country by helicopter and came to India. According to the United Nations, about 1,400 people were killed in the movement against the government and the subsequent crackdown. In November 2024, a Dhaka court sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death after finding her guilty of crimes against humanity. However, Sheikh Hasina completely rejected this decision. He said that this is an act of political vendetta under the guise of law.

There is no external pressure behind the decision to return to the country – Sheikh Hasina

Sheikh Hasina said that there is no external pressure of any kind behind her decision to return to the country. He told that his stay in India has been respectable and safe. According to him, the Indian authorities never discussed anything with him regarding extradition. She said, “I am living in India with full respect and dignity. The Indian authorities have not talked to me about extradition. I myself have taken the decision to return to my country.” The interim government of Bangladesh has made an official demand for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina from India. The Government of India has said that this request is being considered.

Tension in relations between India and Bangladesh

After Sheikh Hasina’s removal from power, there was tension in the relations between India and Bangladesh. However, after Tariq Rehman took over as Prime Minister in February, there has been some improvement in the relations between the two countries. Despite this, Hasina said that her decision to return has nothing to do with the extradition case. During her rule, human rights organizations and opposition parties had made many serious allegations against Sheikh Hasina’s government. These included allegations like targeting political opponents, suppressing opposition parties, influencing the judiciary and conducting one-sided elections. Hasina rejected all these allegations and said that this is a politically launched campaign.

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