Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reaffirmed her plan to return to Bangladesh in December despite potential risks, including arrest, torture, or even death, under the current government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Speaking at a virtual press conference from Washington on October 20, Hasina emphasized her determination to face any dangers as a matter of political responsibility.
Hasina, who has been living in India since the collapse of her government in August 2024, did not specify an exact date for her return but stressed that the threat of violence or imprisonment would not deter her. “I will go back to Bangladesh in December. I am not afraid. I know they can kill me, arrest me and torture me...It’s my responsibility to go,” she said.
The former Awami League leader has reportedly survived multiple assassination attempts, with some sources citing at least 19 such incidents. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, told journalists that no firm date had yet been set and that an announcement would be made closer to the time.
Hasina expressed gratitude toward the Indian government and people for providing refuge during her exile, drawing parallels to their support after the 1975 assassination of several members of her family. She also recalled previous occasions when she returned to Bangladesh despite threats, such as her 1981 return after the murder of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and her decision to come back during the political emergency in 2007, despite facing criminal allegations.
The former prime minister criticized the current administration for allegedly using legal proceedings as a political tool to suppress opposition. She contested the legitimacy of these cases and called for allegations to be handled through fair and transparent judicial processes.
Hasina underlined that the future governance of Bangladesh must be decided by the citizens through free, inclusive democratic processes, stressing the importance of independent courts, freedom of expression, political association, minority protections, and respect for due process. She warned that excluding political parties from participation would only deepen divisions and hinder national reconciliation.
"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.
Addressing concerns about her administration’s record and the events following the 2024 protests, Hasina acknowledged the difficult questions raised but maintained that all allegations should be resolved impartially and transparently.
Her commitment to return signals a potential escalation in Bangladesh’s ongoing political tensions, as the country prepares for a period of heightened uncertainty ahead of the planned comeback of a prominent opposition figure.