Ousted former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has stated that the restoration of "participatory democracy" is the key condition for her return to the country. Speaking from exile in India, Hasina also called for the lifting of the ban on the Awami League and the execution of free, fair, and inclusive elections. She accused the current unelected administration led by Muhammad Yunus of endangering the ties between Bangladesh and India and empowering extremist forces.
Hasina, who has been living in exile in India since August 2024 after violent student-led protests ousted her government, expressed gratitude to the Indian government and its people for providing her refuge. She contrasted her foreign policy approach with that of the Yunus-led interim government, asserting that the deep relationship between Dhaka and New Delhi should be able to withstand what she described as the "foolhardiness of the Yunus interlude".
In an email interview, Hasina stated, "The most important condition for my return to Bangladesh is the same condition that the Bangladeshi people require: a return to participatory democracy. The interim administration must rescind its ban on the Awami League and allow elections that are free, fair, and inclusive". She rejected reports that she had called for a boycott of the upcoming polls, scheduled for February next year, and insisted that any election excluding the Awami League would lack legitimacy, noting that the party has tens of millions of supporters.
Hasina accused the Yunus administration of promoting "violent and extremist" policies, which she claims have strained relations with India. She alleged that Yunus's "sponsorship of extremists" within his government poses a serious threat to the long-standing friendship between Dhaka and New Delhi. She further claimed that "physical and judicial attacks" and persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh, along with "hostile rhetoric" from Dhaka, have soured the relationship with New Delhi. Hasina stated that this hostile attitude towards India is not supported by the majority of Bangladeshis, emphasizing that the ties between the two countries are "broad and deep".
Hasina also criticized Yunus for lacking governance experience and allowing extremist factions to influence civil life. She argued that attacks on media independence and judicial impartiality have become routine, with journalists harassed and courts becoming increasingly politicized. She also criticized the International Crimes Tribunal for being used to suppress the opposition.
Hasina highlighted her government's achievements, noting that Bangladesh had transformed into one of the world's fastest-growing economies, with a significant rise in GDP, millions lifted out of poverty, growing female workforce participation, and unprecedented foreign reserves. She expressed hope in Bangladesh's resilience and its ability to return to true democracy, revive economic growth, and protect the rights of women, minorities, and ordinary citizens.
