Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared on Wednesday that her return to Dhaka is essential to rebuild democracy. The exiled Awami League leader shared her views in an exclusive interview with news agency PTI. Hasina emphasized that she does not view her planned homecoming as a personal political comeback.
Instead, the veteran leader described her return as a necessary national struggle for constitutional rule. According to interview remarks published by The Hindu, Hasina pledged to restore political stability and voting freedoms. Therefore, she called upon citizens to defend the core ideals of the 1971 Liberation War against rising extremism.
Hasina Criticizes Dhaka’s Governance and Minority Persecution
The former prime minister launched a sharp attack against the current ruling dispensation in Dhaka. She stated that Bangladesh is enduring a grave institutional crisis under unelected authorities. Furthermore, Hasina alleged that the current administration dismantled democratic watchdogs and suppressed dissent.
She expressed acute sorrow over repeated attacks targeting religious minorities and secular cultural spaces. As detailed by The Indian Express, she pointed out that thousands of Awami League workers face arbitrary arrests. In addition, she noted that economic growth stalled as industrial factories face widespread labor unrest. Consequently, public frustration continues to mount across major trade and port cities.
Foreign Policy Shifts and BRICS Boycott Labeled Immature
Hasina also criticized the interim leadership’s sudden diplomatic pivots in South Asia. She singled out Dhaka’s decision to skip the recent BRICS summit for severe criticism. She termed the diplomatic boycott an immature and counterproductive blunder that isolates Bangladesh internationally.
The Awami League chief stated that hasty foreign policy moves damage long-standing regional partnerships. Coverage by The New Indian Express noted her concern over growing regional polarization. Meanwhile, she argued that national security requires constructive and mature diplomacy with neighboring countries. As a result, she warned that excluding traditional allies hurts the domestic export economy.
Awami League Demands Inclusive Participatory Elections
Hasina maintained that only credible, participatory elections can restore lawful governance to Bangladesh. She demanded that the interim administration immediately lift restrictions placed on mainstream political parties.
On the other hand, interim officials in Dhaka rejected her criticisms, accusing her past government of authoritarian misrule. Nevertheless, Hasina reiterated that durable peace requires an inclusive political transition rather than political vendettas. Moreover, she expressed confidence that ordinary Bangladeshis will reject radical forces during future democratic ballots. The exiled leader affirmed that she remains prepared to face legal trials to defend her legacy at home.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
