I will return to BD this year Hasina tells NDTV

Bangladesh’s ousted prime minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has said she will return to the country this year, despite political challenges, alleged conspiracies and legal barriers.

In an exclusive email interview with Indian media outlet NDTV, Hasina said her return was not driven by personal ambition, but by the need to restore democracy, rule of law and the spirit of the Liberation War in Bangladesh.

“I do not do politics for power,” she said, adding that her struggle is guided by the vision of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Hasina said she does not fear death, recalling the tragedy of 1975 and the August 21 grenade attack. She said she had stood beside the people during difficult times before and would do so again.

Commenting on the ban on the Awami League and the current political situation, Hasina said the party is not merely an organisation on paper, but is deeply rooted in the history and identity of Bangladesh.

She alleged that anti-Bangladesh forces had misled a section of the people and brought about a change in power through conspiracy. However, she claimed that the Awami League could not be erased from people’s hearts.

Rejecting rumours of any secret understanding with the BNP or other political forces, Hasina said the Awami League does not seek anyone’s political favour.

“Democracy and people’s voting rights are not matters of secret bargaining; they are constitutional rights,” she said.

Although she is currently staying in India, Hasina said her heart remains in Bangladesh. She added that thoughts of her father’s grave and the people of the country keep her restless.

“I will continue my struggle until the last day,” she said. “I firmly believe the people will regain democracy and the Awami League will rise again through the strength of the people.