20 October,2026 12:50 PM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondent
Sheikh Hasina. Pic/AFP
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reiterated her determination to return to her country despite the possibility of arrest, torture or death, saying she cannot remain away while her supporters and ordinary Bangladeshis continue to face difficulties.
Addressing a Washington-based press conference virtually, Hasina said the risks would not deter her from returning to Bangladesh, where she has faced legal proceedings since the collapse of her government in August 2024.
"How risky it is, I don't care. I have to go back," Hasina said.
The former prime minister has been living in India since she left Bangladesh following the student-led uprising that brought her government to an end. She has previously expressed an intention to return in December 2026, although her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, said the exact date had not been finalised.
Hasina thanked the Indian government and people for receiving her after her removal from power, drawing a comparison with the period following the assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and several other family members in 1975.
"Well, thanks to Indian government, and the people, all party, they received me just like 1975," she said.
She also recalled returning to Bangladesh in 1981 after spending years abroad following the killings in her family. Another episode she cited was her return during the political emergency in 2007, when she faced criminal allegations.
Hasina said these experiences reinforced her determination to return despite the possibility of imprisonment or violence.
In her appeal to Washington, Hasina urged the United States to support democratic institutions and inclusive elections rather than favour any particular political leader or party.
"My message to Washington, I do not ask the U.S. to choose Sheik Hasina or Romani. I ask the U.S. to choose democracy," she said, according to the conference transcript.
"I ask that Bangladeshis determine their government through free inclusive political process," Hasina added.
She called for independent courts, freedom of expression, political association, protection of minorities and respect for due process. She argued that excluding political parties from democratic participation would deepen divisions and obstruct national reconciliation.
Hasina accused Bangladesh's current political leadership of using criminal proceedings against her and members of the Awami League to suppress political opposition. She disputed the allegations against her and called for legal cases to be resolved through fair and impartial proceedings.
She also acknowledged that her own administration faced questions over its record and the events surrounding the 2024 protests.
"I acknowledge the difficult questions surrounding my government, the events of 2024 and their aftermath," she said.
Hasina maintained that allegations against anyone, including herself, should be addressed through transparent legal processes.
The former prime minister said Bangladesh's future should be based on political reconciliation rather than retaliation, and stressed that the rights of both supporters and opponents of her government should be respected.
"Equally, those who oppose my government are citizens whose rights must be respected. The future of Bangladesh must be built on reconciliation, not revenge," she said.
Hasina also called for constructive relations with neighbouring countries and international partners, including India, the United States, China and Japan. She cautioned against Bangladesh becoming a battleground for competition among major powers.
She expressed support for stronger economic engagement with Washington, including cooperation in investment, education, technology and security.
(With inputs from IANS)
