Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed has declared that she will return to her homeland later this year despite legal and political challenges, describing the cases and death sentence against her as politically motivated.
She insisted that the Awami League cannot be eliminated because it represents the strength of the people, not just a political party.
In an exclusive email interview with Indian broadcaster NDTV, Hasina said her return is not driven by personal ambition but by her commitment to restoring democracy, the rule of law, and the political rights of Bangladesh’s citizens.
She stressed that her political journey has never been about holding power, but about serving the people and fulfilling the vision of Bangladesh’s founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, of building a “Golden Bengal.”
Rejecting the death sentence handed down against her, Hasina called it unconstitutional, illegal, and an act of political revenge. She alleged that the judiciary is being used to deprive the Awami League of its leadership.
The former premier said she is not afraid of death, recalling that she lost her parents, brothers, and most of her family during the 1975 assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. She also survived the 2004 grenade attack targeting her, yet continued to stand with the people.
Hasina noted that she was elected prime minister five times through the public vote and worked for Bangladesh’s development during her tenure. She expressed confidence that, despite all obstacles and conspiracies, she would return to Bangladesh this year.
