Over fifteen months after being ousted in what she calls an “unelected seizure of power,” former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina claims she never resigned. She stressed that she left the country only to protect lives amid rising threats from extremist groups. Hasina sharply criticised the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. She addressed concerns over delayed elections and political restrictions, and emphasised that Bangladesh’s future hinges on free, and fair elections rather than her personal return.
Sheikh Hasina on why she left Bangladesh
In an interview with Firstpost, Hasina attacked Yunus’ government and described the August 2024 riots as a movement orchestrated by fundamentalists. When asked why she says that she never resigned and whether she was forced to step down in August last year, Hasina asserted that neither she wrote her resignation nor she signed and also didn’t even send any such letter to the President.
“What happened in August was in no way a constitutional transfer of power, but rather an unelected seizure of power. By early August, the security situation had deteriorated to the point where I began to receive reports of serious threats to my life. I was then advised that I must leave the country for safety reasons. I had two options: either to give in to the demands of the extremists or to leave the country immediately to save the lives of the people. I did not want further bloodshed, so I left the country. I decided to leave temporarily. My departure was a matter of survival, not resignation,” Hasina said.
Hasina on upcoming Bangladesh elections
Hasina further addressed speculations about whether Yunus intends to remain in power after the February 2026 election in Bangladesh. She stated that no one has elected Yunus yet and people in Bangladesh haven’t been allowed to choose who will rule even after fifteen months. Hasina alleged that they have repeatedly postponed elections and banned the Awami League, while adding that Yunus has failed in handling the situation in the country.
“They have kept those whom the people didn’t elect in power. I don’t know whether Yunus himself wants to continue. He doesn’t seem to be able to handle the situation and may want to return to his former comfortable life in America. But the radical groups supporting him have no intention of relinquishing power,” Hasina stated.
Hasina on whether she will return to Bangladesh
When asked if she wants to contest the election and return to Bangladesh to campaign for the upcoming election, Hasina didn’t commit, but asserted that Awami League’s participation is essential for free, fair and inclusive elections. She emphasised that more than her return to Bangladesh, ensuring that Bangladeshis get right to vote for the party of their liking is important. Hasina asserted that she will consider returning to Dhaka to support the democratic movement if the Awami League is reinstated, political prisoners are released, minorities are protected, and a fair process is guaranteed.
Hasina on Yunus expanding Bangladesh’s ties with China
On being asked about her views on Yunus expanding Bangladesh’s ties with China and will this affect India-Bangladesh relations, Hasina replied that Dhaka’s policy has always been friendly to all and not hostile to anyone. “During my time, we balanced relations with both India and China. The problem is not the engagement with China, but the context in which this engagement occurs. India and Bangladesh share a 4,000-kilometer border, cultural ties, and vital security interests. No relationship with China can replace these,” she added.
