Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has stated that she is living freely in Delhi and intends to remain in India for the foreseeable future. In her first interview since fleeing to India in August 2024, following a student-led uprising, Hasina expressed her desire to return to her homeland, but only when a legitimate government is in place that upholds the constitution and ensures law and order.
Speaking to Reuters in an exclusive interview, the 78-year-old leader addressed various issues, including the future of the Awami League, the upcoming elections in Bangladesh, and the charges against her. Hasina, who had been in power for 15 years before her ouster, is currently facing charges of crimes against humanity related to a crackdown on student protests in mid-2024. A verdict from the International Crimes Tribunal is expected on November 13.
Hasina dismissed the proceedings against her as a "politically motivated charade," claiming she was denied a fair opportunity to defend herself. She stated that the charges were brought by "kangaroo courts," with guilty verdicts being a foregone conclusion.
The Awami League has been barred from participating in the upcoming national elections in February 2026, a decision Hasina described as "unjust" and "self-defeating". She warned that millions of Awami League supporters would boycott the election, potentially undermining its legitimacy. "The next government must have electoral legitimacy," Hasina asserted. "Millions of people support the Awami League, so as things stand, they will not vote. You cannot disenfranchise millions of people if you want a political system that works".
Despite her exile and the challenges facing her party, Hasina remains confident that the Awami League will eventually return to Bangladesh's political landscape, whether in government or opposition. However, she clarified that neither she nor her family needs to lead the party. "It's really not about me or my family," she said. "For Bangladesh to achieve the future we all want, there must be a return to constitutional rule and political stability. No single person or family defines our country's future". Her son and advisor, Sajeeb Wazed, who resides in Washington, had previously indicated that he might consider leading the party if asked.
Hasina acknowledged the warm reception she has received in India, where she says she lives freely but remains cautious due to her family's history. She recalled the assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh's founding leader, and three of her brothers in a 1975 military coup. Hasina and her sister were abroad at the time and were unharmed.
Since her arrival in India, Hasina has maintained a low profile. A Reuters reporter spotted her taking a quiet stroll through Delhi's Lodhi Garden, accompanied by two individuals believed to be her personal security detail. She acknowledged passersby who recognized her with a nod.
Hasina's ouster and exile mark a significant turning point in Bangladesh's political landscape and have implications for India-Bangladesh relations. During her time as Prime Minister, Hasina fostered close ties with India, strengthening cooperation in various sectors, including security, connectivity, and trade. India has long been seen as Hasina's greatest ally, with Hasina having close ties to both the BJP and Congress parties. India provided refuge to Hasina in 1975 after her father's assassination, and she stayed in exile in India for over six years.
