Sheikh Hasina Says She’s ‘Living Freely in Delhi’, Expresses Desire to Return to Bangladesh
In her first public remarks since her ouster, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina denounces the ban on her party as “unjust and self-defeating,” vows to return only when democracy and constitutional rule are restored.
New Delhi, Oct 30: In her first media appearance since being ousted from power, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called the ban on her party, the Awami League, “unjust and self-defeating,” warning that millions of supporters are likely to boycott next year’s elections if the prohibition continues.
Speaking to foreign journalists from New Delhi, where she has been living since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2023, Hasina said she has no plans to return home unless her party is allowed to rejoin the political process.
“I’m living freely in Delhi, but I’d love to go home only when there’s a legitimate government, respect for the constitution, and real law and order,” Hasina said.
Bangladesh has been under an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus since Hasina’s fall. The Yunus administration has promised elections in February 2026, but the Election Commission suspended the Awami League’s registration earlier this year, citing national security concerns and ongoing war crimes investigations against senior party leaders.
“The people must elect the next government,” Hasina said. “Millions support the Awami League. If they’re denied participation, democracy becomes meaningless.”
Hasina, once credited with transforming Bangladesh’s economy, faces serious allegations of human rights violations, including a violent crackdown on student protests in 2024 that left over 1,400 dead, according to a UN report. The International Crimes Tribunal has concluded hearings in her case, and a verdict is expected on November 13.
“These trials are politically motivated,” Hasina asserted. “The verdicts are pre-decided. I wasn’t given a fair chance to defend myself.”
Despite her exile, Hasina expressed optimism about her party’s future. “The Awami League will return whether in government or opposition,” she said, adding that leadership of the party should not be defined by one family.
Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, based in Washington, has hinted at stepping into leadership if called upon.
Reflecting on her family’s legacy her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and three brothers were assassinated in 1975 Hasina said she remains vigilant about her safety but determined to see Bangladesh regain political stability.
“Bangladesh needs democracy, not revenge politics,” she said. “I hope common sense will prevail, and we’ll be allowed to contest the elections again.”
