Bangladesh's Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina Vows to Return to Her Country This Year

Sheikh Hasina Wajed, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh who was sentenced to death in absentia, stated in a television interview in India that she will return to her country this year, despite having left during the protests in 2024. Sheikh Hasina described the death sentence against her as 'illegal, unconstitutional, and part of a politically motivated process,' saying, 'I want to make it clear that I will overcome all obstacles and conspiracies and return to my country this year.' Hasina stated that she is following the developments in Bangladesh, expressing, 'Bangladesh is once again going through a difficult time. I am deeply saddened that I am not there for my country at this critical moment. This opportunity was not given to me.' Emphasizing that her return is not driven by 'personal ambition' and that she is 'not afraid of death,' Hasina defended her party, the Awami League, which had its registration suspended following the protests, saying it 'has led all democratic movements in the country.' Hasina noted that the Awami League 'has been banned several times and has risen again,' stating, 'They may have closed the party offices and temporarily suppressed political activities, but they could not erase the Awami League from the hearts of the people.'