What happened (Sheikh Hasina’s New Delhi virtual audio interaction)

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed international media virtually from New Delhi in an audio-only interaction. Sheikh Hasina said fear and concerns about personal safety will not stop her from returning to Bangladesh.

Sheikh Hasina made the following political and legal points in her interaction:\nSheikh Hasina said fear for personal safety should not decide her duty to Bangladesh’s people.Sheikh Hasina alleged that the Awami League has been persecuted and that Awami League members have been killed.Sheikh Hasina called for lifting the ban on the Awami League.

Sheikh Hasina also signalled possible timing and travel steps:\nSheikh Hasina indicated a possible return in December 2026 and said she will disclose the exact timing when she decides.Sheikh Hasina said she will seek permission from Indian authorities in December before starting her journey.Sheikh Hasina added that Awami League activists are saying she will not use a third country to reach Dhaka.

Sheikh Hasina linked her stated position to past security experiences. Sheikh Hasina said she and her mother were imprisoned during the 1971 Liberation War, and that most family members were lost in 1975. Sheikh Hasina also referenced an attempted grenade attack on August 21, 2004 and said it could not stop her.

Sheikh Hasina connected current events to the July–August 2024 unrest and alleged failures in law and order. Sheikh Hasina described the July–August 2024 protests as “organised” and planned meticulously. Sheikh Hasina said she ordered an investigation committee into the July–August 2024 uprising and alleged that the investigation committee was scrapped by the interim government under Mohammed Yunus.

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