‘How Risky It Is, I Don’t Care’: Sheikh Hasina Vows To Return To Bangladesh

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has vowed to return to her country despite the risk of arrest, torture or death. She said she could not remain away while her supporters and ordinary Bangladeshis continued to suffer.

Addressing a Washington-based press conference virtually, Hasina declared, “How risky it is, I don’t care. I have to go back.”

Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh in August 2024 following the collapse of her government and has been living in India since then. She thanked India for sheltering her, recalling how she and her sister survived the 1975 assassination of their family members.

Hasina cited her return to Bangladesh in 1981, following her father’s assassination in 1975, and her decision to return during the 2007 political emergency despite facing criminal allegations.

Sheikh Hasina accused Bangladesh’s current leadership of using criminal proceedings against her and Awami League members to suppress political opposition. She disputed the legitimacy of the cases and called for fair judicial proceedings.

Hasina, however, did not announce a return date. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, later confirmed that no date had been fixed and that an announcement would come closer to the time.

Sheikh Hasina appealed to Washington to support democratic institutions and inclusive elections. She urged the United States not to favour any leader or political party.

“My message to Washington: I do not ask the US to choose Sheikh Hasina or Romani. I ask the US to choose democracy,” she said, according to the conference transcript.

Sheikh Hasina called for independent courts, freedom of expression, political association, minority protection and due process. She further stressed that Bangladesh’s future must rest on reconciliation rather than revenge.

Hasina acknowledged questions about her government and the 2024 protests, calling for impartial legal scrutiny of all allegations.

Sheikh Hasina advocated constructive relations with India, the United States, China and Japan. She warned against turning Bangladesh into an arena for major-power rivalry and backed stronger economic ties with Washington through investment, education, technology and security cooperation.

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