Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that she will return to Bangladesh before the end of this year despite facing legal cases, a death sentence, and a ban on the political activities of the Awami League, raising fresh questions over the exclusion of one of the country’s largest political parties from the political process.
In an interview with a TV channel, Hasina described the cases against her as politically motivated and accused the current authorities of using the judiciary to eliminate the Awami League from Bangladesh’s political landscape. Hasina’s remarks came as the Awami League observed its 77th founding anniversary amid a nationwide ban on its activities and extensive security measures.
Hasina alleged that democracy, rule of law, and minority rights had deteriorated since her removal from office, while extremism and political intolerance had increased. She also claimed that attacks on religious minorities and cultural institutions had intensified and warned that Bangladesh was moving away from the ideals of the Liberation War.
The former premier highlighted her government’s economic record, citing infrastructure development, poverty reduction, expanded electricity coverage, and economic growth during her tenure. Ms. Hasina dismissed reports of backchannel negotiations with political rivals and insisted that the Awami League’s future would depend solely on public support.