Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said she plans to return to Bangladesh by December, insisting that her homecoming is not about regaining power but about standing beside the people amid what she described as a deep political and economic crisis.
In her first telephonic interview with Indian media, Hasina questioned the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government's decision to make her extradition a condition for a possible visit to New Delhi by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. She said she intends to return to her country on her own and does not understand why her return should be linked to diplomatic negotiations.
Hasina accused the current authorities of persecuting Awami League leaders and workers and alleged that homes of party supporters have been attacked. She said the political situation in Bangladesh cannot continue indefinitely and that she would announce the exact date and entry point of her return later.
“I am going back to my own country,” Hasina said, arguing that she cannot remain abroad permanently. She also said that a stable, democratic, secular and development-oriented Bangladesh is important not only for the country itself but also for India's security and stability in South Asia.
The former prime minister defended her government's economic record, saying Bangladesh's economy expanded significantly during her tenure. She claimed GDP growth has since fallen sharply, while unemployment, poverty and shortages of electricity and gas have increased.
Hasina also strongly criticised the reported decision by the BNP government to acquire Chinese J-10CE fighter jets under a $2.3 billion deal. She questioned the priority of spending on fighter aircraft when Bangladesh is facing shortages of gas, fertilisers and essential commodities.
On the Teesta river project, Hasina said her government had discussed cooperation with India but declined to comment on the present government's decision to work with China.
She also warned about the growing influence of extremist groups in Bangladesh. Referring to concerns over militant networks and attacks on religious and cultural sites, Hasina said instability in Bangladesh could have consequences for India, Myanmar and the wider region.
Asked about her life in India, Hasina said she was staying with dignity and expressed gratitude to the Indian government and people. However, she said she misses Bangladesh and especially its people, language and rural communities.
Hasina maintained that the Awami League remains a political institution with public support despite the party facing restrictions and legal cases. She said the future of the party and its leaders would ultimately be decided through political consultation and, she argued, by the people through elections.
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