Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Wednesday that she will return to Bangladesh, regardless of what happens to her. Speaking through a virtual address, she said her decision is not about regaining power but about helping the country return to the path of development, secularism and prosperity.
“I know they may put me in jail or even kill me, but I will return to my people,” she said.
Plans to Return in December
Hasina said she wants to return to Bangladesh in December, calling it the country’s “Victory Month.”
She said she decided to return because the people of Bangladesh have “suffered a lot” and she could no longer stay away from them.
Gets Emotional Remembering Her Family
During her speech, Hasina became emotional while paying tribute to her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader of Bangladesh, who was assassinated along with several members of her family during the military coup on August 15, 1975.
She said that although she was forced to leave Bangladesh, she has never felt separated from its people.
Calls 2024 Unrest an Organised Campaign
Hasina rejected the claim that the July-August 2024 protests were a peaceful student movement. She alleged that the unrest was a well-planned campaign aimed at removing her government.
She claimed that the movement was organised from behind the scenes and was designed to bring about a change in power without an election.
Targets Muhammad Yunus
Hasina referred to comments by Muhammad Yunus, claiming that his own statements showed the protests were carefully planned. She alleged that there was no visible leadership during the movement and that it was directed by hidden organisers.
Alleges Political Persecution
Hasina claimed that after August 5, Bangladesh witnessed a campaign of political persecution. She alleged that leaders and workers of the Awami League have been killed, arrested or have disappeared.
She also claimed that people who supported the spirit of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War are no longer safe.
Claims Cultural Heritage Was Targeted
Hasina alleged that symbols linked to Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War were damaged after her removal from power. She claimed that minority communities and journalists were targeted and that the historic Dhanmondi 32 residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was demolished in an attempt to erase the country’s history.
India Distances Itself From the Event
Before the virtual address, India clarified that it had no role in organising the event. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Government of India neither organised nor endorsed any views expressed during the programme.
The ministry also reiterated that while India has given asylum to Sheikh Hasina, it has ensured that no political activity targeting another sovereign country is conducted from Indian territory.
First published on: Aug 05, 2026 09:36 PM IST
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