File photo of Sheikh Hasina and the logo of the Center for USA-Bangladesh Relations. Image: Collage, OTN Bangla.
OTN Bangla Desk: Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has reiterated her intention to return to Bangladesh in December, saying returning to her country is her responsibility despite the risks she believes she could face.
Speaking virtually at an event hosted by the Center for US-Bangladesh Relations in Washington on Monday, 19 October, Hasina said she remained determined to return, according to The Times of India.
“I will go back to Bangladesh in December, I am not afraid,” she said. She expressed fears of arrest, torture or death upon her return. The report did not provide a specific date or detailed travel arrangements.
India Today reported that Hasina made the remarks in response to a question from the outlet during the event. She said she had previously experienced arrest and torture but still wanted to return.
The Awami League leader has been living in India since the student-led uprising that brought down her government on 5 August 2024. She previously expressed plans for a December return in interviews in July and repeated that intention on the second anniversary of her removal from office.
During Monday’s event, Hasina also criticised the Tarique Rahman-led government, alleging corruption, unemployment and extortion, and called for free and fair elections. These were her allegations; the cited report did not include a government response.
Sources: The Times of India and India Today.