New Delhi, August 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Awami League President Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday described India as a “great friend” and said her proposed return to Bangladesh was a personal decision that had nothing to do with the Government of India.
Addressing a packed press conference in New Delhi through a remote link, Hasina reiterated her intention to return to Bangladesh in December, though she did not specify a date.
“India has always been a great friend, and I know it will remain so. I want to go back to my country and to my people. It is not a government matter,” she said while responding to a question.
Hasina, who has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh following the 2024 student-led uprising, said she remained committed to restoring what she described as the ideals of the country’s Liberation War.
“They have destroyed all symbols of victory and the Liberation War. We have to bring them back. I want to restore that pride,” she said, adding that she believed in a secular and democratic Bangladesh.
Recalling her earlier return to Bangladesh in 1981 during the rule of Zia-ur-Rahman, Hasina said attempts had been made then as well to prevent her return. She also referred to her arrest in 1983 and said such challenges had continued throughout her political career.
“Anything can happen. They can kill me. Still, I have to go back,” she said, adding that she drew strength from the support of the people.
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Joining the media interaction virtually from the United States, Hasina’s son and former adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the treatment extended to his mother during her stay in India.
“My mother has been treated with the utmost respect in India, and for that I am eternally grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said.
Joy clarified that Hasina’s proposed return had not been discussed with the current authorities in Bangladesh.
“We are not in communication with the Bangladesh government. She is taking this decision regardless of what the government of Bangladesh wants,” he said.
He also alleged that Bangladesh had become “another Pakistan” on India’s eastern frontier and claimed that foreign intelligence agencies, including Pakistan’s ISI, were operating with considerable influence in the country.
Responding to a question on recent diplomatic engagement between the United States and Bangladesh, including the visit of US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor, Joy said the current US administration was primarily focused on trade and economic cooperation.
He added that international policies often change with political leadership and suggested that Washington’s regional approach could evolve over time.
Several Awami League leaders and former ministers were also present during the media interaction.
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