I Am Not Afraid of Arrest or Assassination; I Will Definitely Return to Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina Wajed

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister and Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina has reiterated that she will return to Bangladesh in December despite the risks of arrest, torture, or death. Hasina has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh following the ouster of her government in August 2024. Bangladesh has repeatedly demanded her extradition from India.

Speaking virtually at an event organized by the Center for US-Bangladesh Relations in Washington, D.C., on Monday, Sheikh Hasina made it clear that she intended to return to Bangladesh in December. She said, “Even if the current government led by Tarique Rahman arrests me, kills me, or subjects me to torture, I will return to Bangladesh in December.”

Hasina elaborated on her position, saying, “I am not afraid. I know they could kill me, arrest me, or persecute me, but returning is my responsibility.” However, she did not announce a specific date for her return. Her son, Sajeeb Wajid Joy, told journalists that no date had yet been finalized and that it would be announced when the time came.

It is worth noting that Sheikh Hasina has been residing in India since being removed from power. She also expressed gratitude to the Indian government and people for their support. Hasina said they had welcomed her in the same way they had in 1975. She recalled the period when several members of her family were killed, leaving only her and her sister alive.

Sheikh Hasina also recalled episodes from her political career when she returned to Bangladesh despite threats to her life. These included the period following the assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and other family members in 1975. She returned to Bangladesh from abroad in 1981. She also cited her decision to return home in 2007 during a political emergency, when criminal charges had been brought against her.

Hasina accused the government led by Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of attempting to suppress political opposition by pursuing criminal cases against her and Awami League activists.

She said allegations against political leaders should be resolved through fair judicial proceedings. Hasina argued that Bangladesh’s political future should be determined by its citizens through a free, inclusive, and democratic process. “My appeal is for the people of Bangladesh to elect their government through a free and inclusive political process,” she said.

The former prime minister advocated an independent judiciary, freedom of expression, the right to form political organizations, protection for minorities, and proper adherence to due process. She argued that excluding political parties from the democratic process would deepen social divisions and undermine national reconciliation. Hasina said that even those who oppose her government are citizens whose rights must be respected. Bangladesh’s future, she added, should be based on mutual reconciliation rather than revenge.

She further stated that she was prepared to address difficult questions surrounding the events of 2024 and the developments that followed during her tenure. She maintained that allegations against anyone, including herself, should be addressed through a transparent and fair legal process. During the event, Hasina thanked U.S. President Donald Trump, saying his decision to suspend USAID funding would prevent money from falling into the wrong hands.

She also described the government led by Tarique Rahman as corrupt and accused it of presiding over widespread unemployment, mistreatment of women, and serious extortion-related abuses. Calling the current government thoroughly corrupt, she demanded that free and fair elections be held in Bangladesh.