'I'm not afraid of death'; will return to Bangladesh this year itself, says Sheikh Hasina

NEW DELHI: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina has said that she will return to her country this year despite facing serious threats, including the possibility of a death sentence. Hasina, who is currently staying in India, made the announcement about her political comeback in an exclusive email interview with a national media outlet.

Her statement comes nearly two years after she was forced to leave Bangladesh. Hasina said she is ready to face all challenges and return to the country despite the difficult circumstances.

She said her return is not motivated by a desire for power but by a commitment to protect the rights of the people of Bangladesh and restore democracy. Hasina also claimed that the court verdicts against her were politically motivated and unconstitutional.

“I am not afraid of death. In 1975, I lost almost my entire family, including my parents and siblings. I survived grenade attacks and several conspiracies and continued to stand with the people of Bangladesh. Overcoming all challenges, I will return to my country this year,” Hasina said.

Hasina accused the former interim government led by Muhammad Yunus and the later BNP government of causing a decline in democracy and increasing attacks against minorities in Bangladesh.

Despite the ban on the party, Hasina expressed confidence that people across Bangladesh continue to support the Awami League and that the party will return to power with public support.

She added that the Awami League is a deeply rooted movement in Bangladesh and cannot be suppressed. According to Hasina, party workers will continue to stand together despite strict security restrictions.