Washington, October 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has vowed to return to her country despite the risk of arrest, torture or death, saying she cannot remain away while her supporters and ordinary citizens face hardship.
Addressing a press conference virtually from Washington, Hasina said the dangers surrounding her return would not deter her. She has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh following the collapse of her government in August 2024.
“How risky it is, I don’t care. I have to go back,” she said.
Hasina thanked the Indian government and people for providing her refuge during the political upheaval. Recalling earlier returns to Bangladesh despite threats to her safety, she cited her return in 1981 after the assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and several other family members in 1975. She also referred to her return during the political emergency in 2007.
The former Prime Minister accused Bangladesh’s current political leadership of using criminal proceedings against her and Awami League members to suppress opposition. She disputed the legitimacy of the cases and called for allegations against political leaders to be addressed through fair and impartial judicial processes.
However, Hasina did not announce a date for her return. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, subsequently told journalists that no date had been fixed and that an announcement would be made closer to the time.
Appealing to Washington, Hasina urged the United States to support democratic institutions and inclusive elections in Bangladesh rather than backing any particular leader or political party.
“My message to Washington, I do not ask the U.S. to choose Sheikh Hasina or Romani. I ask the U.S. to choose democracy,” she said, according to the conference transcript.
She called for independent courts, freedom of expression, protection of minorities and respect for due process, warning that excluding political parties from democratic participation could deepen divisions.
Hasina also acknowledged questions surrounding her administration’s record and the events of the 2024 protests, saying allegations against anyone, including herself, should be addressed through transparent and impartial legal proceedings.
On foreign policy, she advocated constructive relations with India, the United States, China and Japan, arguing that Bangladesh should not become an arena for major-power rivalry. She also backed stronger economic cooperation with Washington in investment, education, technology and security.
FOLLOW NOW
