Source Aljajeera
NEW DELHI — Exactly two years after fleeing Dhaka following a massive student-led uprising, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina broke her prolonged media silence today. Delivering a virtual address hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi, the 78-year-old ousted leader directly challenged the interim administration, detailed her perspective on the 2024 unrest, and announced plans to return to Bangladesh by the end of the year.
Here is what emerged from her address and what the political fallout signifies for the region:
Return to Dhaka Announced
December Deadline: Hasina explicitly vowed to return to Bangladesh by December 2026, despite facing severe legal charges, a death sentence issued by an international tribunal in Dhaka, and extradition demands.
Defiance Against Arrest: Addressing personal safety concerns, Hasina stated, “They may arrest me on my return; they may even kill me… still, I have to go,” underscoring her resolve to challenge the current regime on home soil.
Rejection of the 2024 Movement Narrative
Organized Plot vs. Student Protests: Hasina argued that the July-August 2024 protests that ended her 15-year rule were not a spontaneous student movement, but rather a “meticulously designed” operation led by political operatives.
Criticism of Interim Leadership: She criticized Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and his administration, claiming the country had suffered severe setbacks under their governance and alleging that external elements influenced her ouster.
Call for Political Reinstatement
Lift on Awami League Ban: Hasina demanded an immediate end to the ban placed on the political activities of her party, the Bangladesh Awami League, under the country’s anti-terrorism laws.
International Appeal: Calling upon the global community and regional allies, she urged international powers to support democracy, justice, and stability in Bangladesh, framing her party’s inclusion as vital for regional security.
Diplomatic Friction and Government Stances
StakeholderKey Position
India (Host Country)Clarified that the press interaction was organized independently by a private media club, emphasizing that New Delhi had no official role in hosting or endorsing the statement.
Dhaka Interim GovtMaintained that Hasina remains a fugitive subject to arrest immediately upon entry into Bangladesh, reiterating formal requests for her extradition.
Awami League LeadershipPositioned the address as a turning point to mobilize supporters and prepare for a political comeback ahead of potential future elections.
The high-profile speech marks Hasina’s most significant public appearance since arriving in India in August 2024. As Dhaka continues its legal proceedings and political restructuring, her vow to return sets the stage for a dramatic escalation in South Asian geopolitical dynamics over the coming months.
