Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has stated that her primary motivation for returning to Bangladesh is to stand by the populace rather than to reclaim political office. In her first telephone interview with an Indian media outlet, speaking to the Hindustan Times from an undisclosed location in India, she outlined her intention to travel back by December. She asserted that she does not require any official permission from the administration to re-enter her homeland and will disclose the precise date, timing, and entry route in due course.
Emphasizing that her repatriation is driven by moral duty rather than ambition, Hasina strongly criticized the current interim administration and the political handling of state affairs. She raised serious concerns regarding the ongoing legal proceedings, noting that more than six hundred baseless cases have been filed against her. According to her, the judiciary is being manipulated as an instrument for political vengeance, while Awami League supporters face widespread crackdowns, arbitrary arrests, and harassment. She maintained that her focus remains entirely on public welfare and the future of the nation, rather than personal grievances.
Discussing international relations, Hasina rejected the notion that her extradition should be linked to broader diplomatic negotiations, maintaining that legal and diplomatic processes should proceed independently. She also reflected on past economic milestones achieved during her tenure, contrasting them with current reports of industrial contraction, rising unemployment, and energy shortages. Warning against the resurgence of radical elements and regional security risks, she stressed that a stable, secular, and democratic Bangladesh is vital for the broader stability of South Asia.
