Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina stated on Monday that she is prepared to return to her home country despite facing severe personal risks. During a virtual interaction, Hasina reflected on past attempts on her life within Bangladesh and noted that she remains undeterred by ongoing threats.
Addressing a Washington-based press conference, Hasina acknowledged the high stakes of a homecoming. She stated that upon landing, she could potentially be killed, arrested, or subjected to torture, but emphasized that she has nevertheless made the decision to go back.
Her comments follow previous statements indicating an intention to return home by December, though she did not specify an exact timeline during her latest remarks. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, also participated in the United States press conference and criticized the current leadership under Tarique Rahman, pointing to extra-judicial killings and the imprisonment of Awami League members since Hasina's administration was unseated.
Hasina, whose government was removed from power following student-led demonstrations, has remained in self-exile in India since August 2024. During the virtual presser, she expressed gratitude toward the Indian government and its citizens for providing her with shelter.
She also alleged that while more than 600 legal cases have been brought against her, individuals responsible for actual crimes have been granted immunity by Bangladesh's interim government. This virtual event follows her initial post-ouster press conference held in Delhi at the Foreign Correspondents Club of South Asia in August, as well as subsequent interviews where she underscored her determination to support her supporters and address the nation's ongoing political crisis.