I Will Return to Bangladesh and Surrender in December: Sheikh Hasina Tells Reuters

Sheikh Hasina.Darwin, 11 July : Bangladesh’s ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is living in exile in India after being sentenced to death for crimes against humanity, has said she plans to return to Bangladesh and surrender before the court around December this year.

In an hour-long telephone interview with Reuters on Thursday night, Hasina said she would not return alone. Senior leaders of the now-banned Awami League could also accompany her and surrender to the authorities.

Hasina fled to India on August 5, 2024, after being removed from power following a mass uprising led by students and the public. The interview marked the first time the 78-year-old politician has spoken directly to an international media outlet since leaving office. Although she had previously responded to written questions from various media organizations, she had not given an interview.

A few weeks ago, Hasina had indicated in an email to NDTV that she intended to return to Bangladesh this year. However, this is the first time she has suggested a specific timeframe.

The Awami League is currently banned in Bangladesh, and Hasina herself has been sentenced to death. Responding to a question from Reuters, she said, “They may arrest me when I return. They may even kill me. But I still have to go.”

“My party leaders and activists are facing severe persecution,” she said. “If death comes, I want it to come on the soil of my own country, where my parents are buried and where they shed their blood.”

Last November, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina to death in absentia over allegations that she ordered a deadly crackdown on the 2024 student-led protests.

According to a United Nations report, nearly 1,400 people were killed during the unrest. Hasina, however, has consistently denied ordering the killings. India’s decision to grant her refuge significantly strained relations between New Delhi and Dhaka, with the Bangladeshi government repeatedly requesting her extradition.

Addressing the issue, Hasina told Reuters, “They want to bring me back. They have written to India again and again asking for my extradition. But I will return on my own.”

Reuters noted that Hasina’s planned return could further polarize Bangladesh’s political landscape, particularly as the current BNP-led government seeks to restore stability after two years of political turmoil. At the same time, her return could potentially help ease tensions between Bangladesh and India.

The report added that neither the Bangladeshi government’s spokesperson nor India’s Ministry of External Affairs immediately responded to requests for comment regarding Hasina’s remarks.

Hasina said nearly all Awami League leaders and activists are facing legal cases, with many remaining in hiding.

“I have told everyone that I will return to Bangladesh. One day, all of you will have to return as well. Together, we will surrender before the court,” she said.

However, she did not specify an exact date for her return or identify the court where she intends to surrender.

“I believe in justice,” Hasina said. “Once the judicial process begins, people will see for themselves how farcical this court really is. That is what I want to prove.”

She also claimed that she had not discussed her planned return with the Bangladeshi government or any foreign government.

“Democracy, voting rights, the Awami League’s political rights, and justice are not matters for secret negotiations,” the former prime minister said.

Hasina also insisted that she was not concerned about the prospect of imprisonment.

“I have been arrested several times before,” she said. “After returning from exile in 1981, I was arrested during the movement against military rule. I was also imprisoned in 2007 on corruption charges under the military-backed caretaker government.”

Explaining why she left the country after ruling Bangladesh for more than 15 years, Hasina said, “On August 5, 2024, as crowds advanced toward my residence, I left the country out of fear for my life.”

She added, “When a government remains in power for a long time, mistakes can happen. No government is above making mistakes. But it is the people who have the right to judge whether a government’s actions were right or wrong. I leave that judgment to the people.”

Although the Awami League remains banned, Hasina said she has been holding online meetings with party leaders from 125 of Bangladesh’s 300 parliamentary constituencies as part of efforts to reorganize the party.

Calling for the ban on the Awami League to be lifted, she said, “They may have sentenced me. I may not be able to contest elections. But why should they ban the Awami League? If we have done something wrong, let the people decide.”

Like Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal is also staying in India after being sentenced to death. Reuters said it was unable to reach him or several other senior Awami League leaders for comment.