Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, on Wednesday urged the government to lift the ban on her Awami League party and reaffirmed her intention to return to the country in December. This move presents a direct challenge to the administration led by her political opponents.
Addressing a media session organized by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi, Hasina expressed her firm resolve to come back to Bangladesh despite the possibility of imprisonment or other repercussions. She emphasized that her political fight would persist and called for the reinstatement of her party’s activities.
“I will return to my people,” Hasina declared, noting that she would announce the precise date and details of her return at the appropriate time. She acknowledged the risks involved, stating, “I know that they may put me in jail or they may kill me, anything may happen, but still I have to go back.”
The event marked Hasina’s first media engagement since fleeing Bangladesh two years ago, following protests that ended her two-decade-long tenure as prime minister. Although her appearance was expected via video, she delivered only an audio message behind a blank screen. Several Awami League leaders and her son spoke on camera prior to her message, but the reason for her absence from video was not disclosed.
Later the same day, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry condemned the event, describing it as “an affront to the sovereignty of Bangladesh” in a statement posted on X. The ministry criticized the opportunity given to Hasina to openly interact with the media, calling it “deeply hurtful” and stating that “Bangladesh is outraged.”
Hasina, aged 78, had revealed in an interview last month her plan to return by the end of the year and surrender to authorities. She fled Dhaka after protests ended her multiple terms as prime minister. In November 2025, a war-crimes court sentenced her to death in absentia for allegedly ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising, charges she denies, labeling them politically motivated and fabricated.
The current government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman since February elections, warned media outlets on Tuesday against publishing her statements, citing a 2024 court order that prohibits broadcasting or publishing her speeches. Consequently, there was no media coverage of the event within Bangladesh, though it was accessible on social media platforms. The extent of viewership remains unclear, but many Bangladeshis shared and discussed the speech online.
Meanwhile, protests erupted in Dhaka as demonstrators burned an effigy of Hasina. She alleged that the anti-government protests, initially sparked by public sector job quota issues, have evolved into a coordinated campaign fueled by organized violence, covert direction, and propaganda aimed at toppling her government and destabilizing the constitutional order.
Hasina also criticized the current state of Bangladesh’s economy, claiming it has sharply declined since her removal. She cited slowed growth, reduced investment and job creation, and an increase of over 20 million unemployed people, asserting that economic progress achieved during her tenure is being reversed.
The government has declared August 5 a public holiday to honor those killed during the student-led uprising. No immediate response was issued by the government regarding Hasina’s recent statements.
Dhaka has repeatedly requested India to extradite Hasina, with New Delhi acknowledging receipt of the request and stating it is under review. Relations between the two countries have been tense since her ouster, although recent signals indicate a willingness to improve ties. Bangladesh’s foreign ministry stated that allowing Hasina to speak openly to the media harms the development of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India.
