Sheikh Hasina's Return to Bangladesh Relies on Electoral Fairness

Post by : Raina Nasser

Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has articulated that her potential return to the country is contingent upon three fundamental aspects: the revival of participatory democracy, the removal of the ban on the Awami League, and the assurance of free, fair, and inclusive elections. In an exclusive email interview conducted from India, where she has been living since her departure amid widespread protests against her administration in August 2024, Hasina shared her views.

As Bangladesh’s longest-serving prime minister, Hasina expressed her heartfelt appreciation for India’s hospitality, noting that she feels "immensely grateful to the government and people of India." She reiterated that India remains Bangladesh’s paramount international ally and emphasized that the current interim government does not reflect the sentiments of the Bangladeshi populace.

Reflecting on the events that led to her exile, Hasina acknowledged, "Obviously, we lost control of the situation and that was regrettable." She attributed part of the unrest to experienced political figures who instigated protests while firmly denouncing accusations that she advocated for a boycott of the forthcoming elections.

According to her, any election that deliberately excludes the Awami League would be devoid of legitimacy. "Tens of millions of people support us... that would represent a significant missed opportunity for our nation, which urgently requires a government that governs with the genuine consent of its people," she stated.

On issues of foreign policy, Hasina criticized the interim Yunus administration's actions as detrimental to Bangladesh-India relations, labeling them as "foolish and self-defeating." She condemned Yunus for displaying hostility towards India, suggesting that such behavior reflects a lack of strong leadership and an over-reliance on extremist factions.

Addressing legal issues, Hasina dismissed Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal as a "kangaroo tribunal" and reiterated her openness to international scrutiny, including potentially at the International Criminal Court (ICC). She claimed that Yunus avoids impartial trials because he fears her likely acquittal.

Through her statements, Sheikh Hasina emphasizes her desire to return to Bangladesh under terms that she believes will restore democratic governance and reaffirm her political party's influence in the country’s direction.