Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has vowed to return to Bangladesh, telling supporters that she remains committed to leading her political movement despite living in exile following her removal from power.
Speaking via video link to members of the Awami League, Hasina thanked her supporters for their continued loyalty and insisted that she would one day return to the country.
“I will return to Bangladesh,” she declared, urging party members to remain united and continue what she described as the struggle to restore democracy and the rule of law.
Hasina has been living in exile in India since her government was ousted during the mass protests and political upheaval that ended her more than 15 years in office. Since then, Bangladesh has been governed by an interim administration, while authorities have launched multiple investigations and legal proceedings against senior figures from her former government.
In her address, Hasina accused the interim authorities of carrying out politically motivated prosecutions against Awami League leaders and supporters. She also criticized what she described as attacks on democratic institutions and called on the international community to closely monitor developments in Bangladesh.
The former prime minister urged her supporters to remain peaceful and avoid actions that could lead to further violence, while encouraging them to continue organizing politically despite mounting pressure on the party.
The interim government has defended its actions, saying investigations and prosecutions are being conducted in accordance with the law and are intended to ensure accountability following the political crisis. Officials have repeatedly rejected allegations that they are targeting opponents for political reasons.
Hasina’s pledge to return is likely to energize Awami League supporters, many of whom have continued to hold meetings and demonstrations in support of the former leader despite restrictions on political activities.
Political analysts say her remarks underscore the continuing polarization in Bangladesh’s political landscape. While her return would almost certainly intensify political tensions, it also signals that the Awami League intends to remain an active force despite its current absence from power.
For now, however, Hasina remains outside Bangladesh, with no indication from authorities that conditions exist for her return. Her latest address nevertheless reinforces her determination to remain at the center of Bangladeshi politics as the country continues to navigate a period of profound political transition.
