Sheikh Hasinas Defiant Return to Bangladesh Amidst Threats

New Delhi, November 13 (Daily Kiran) : Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh has expressed her unwavering determination to return to Dhaka, regardless of the threats of arrest, imprisonment, or even assassination. In an audio interview with a news agency, she stated that she would rather die on her homeland than be away from her people.

Hasina reflected on her previous returns to Bangladesh amid political turmoil and security threats. “I fully understand the risks. I could be arrested upon arrival, sent to jail, or even face attempts on my life. I’ve considered all these possibilities, but I stopped worrying about my safety long ago. I returned to Bangladesh in 1981 despite military rule,” she said.

She recalled her return in 2007, knowing that a military-backed interim government could detain her. Despite having faced imprisonment and multiple assassination attempts, she affirmed that fear has never prevented her from doing what she believes is right.

Expressing grave concern over the deteriorating situation in Bangladesh, Hasina remarked, “My country is going through a very difficult phase. Our leaders and activists are being persecuted. Ordinary citizens are suffering, losing their homes and livelihoods. How can I stay away when my people are facing such hardships? I have spent my entire political life with the people of Bangladesh. Whatever happens to me, I want to stand with them. If I must die, I would prefer to do so on my own soil, among my own people.”

In the interview, Hasina also addressed allegations related to deaths during the 2024 protests, firmly denying any orders for the killing of innocent individuals. She accused the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus of halting judicial investigations she had initiated and later providing legal protection to those involved in what were classified as acts of political resistance.

“I want to make one thing very clear. I have never ordered the killing of innocent people. I completely reject this accusation. Every death is tragic. As Prime Minister, it was my responsibility to protect our citizens, and I wanted to know exactly what happened. That is why I established a judicial inquiry commission on July 18, 2024, headed by a High Court judge. On August 1, I expanded it into a three-member commission for thorough investigation. But what happened after Muhammad Yunus took power? He halted that inquiry,” she stated.

Hasina further noted that the subsequent administration classified the actions of those involved in the uprising as political resistance, while thousands of leaders and activists from her party, the Awami League, faced murder charges. “If they truly wanted to know the truth, why did they stop the judicial inquiry that I had already set up?” she questioned.