Sheikh Hasina says she will return to Bangladesh despite risks
The former Prime Minister stated she would rather die in her homeland than stay away from her people.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said she is prepared to face arrest, imprisonment, or death to return to Dhaka, according to the Times of India. Speaking in an audio interview with news agency IANS, Hasina stated she would rather die on the soil of her country than remain away from her people.
Hasina expressed concern that Bangladesh is going through a difficult phase where Awami League leaders and workers are being persecuted. She alleged that ordinary people are suffering and losing their homes and livelihoods.
Addressing allegations regarding deaths during the 2024 uprising, Hasina denied ordering the killing of innocent people. She claimed she had established a Judicial Enquiry Commission on July 18, 2024, which she said the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus stopped after he assumed power.
The former Prime Minister accused the interim administration of granting legal protection to participants in the uprising while bringing murder cases against her and thousands of Awami League members. She questioned why the judicial investigation she initiated was halted.
Hasina also rejected the proceedings and verdict of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). She alleged she was denied a genuine opportunity to defend herself and said she will examine lawful options to challenge the verdict.