She expressed her gratitude for India’s “patience,” contending that the relationship between Dhaka and New Delhi has been adversely affected by what she described as a temporary and illegitimate phase in Bangladesh’s governance. According to Hasina, Yunus’s actions have unsettled Bangladeshis both domestically and internationally, as his government faces resignations and increasing dissent.
Here are the edited excerpts from the interview:
Question: If a political party is banned and its leader is sentenced to death, how can that party’s future remain secure?
Sheikh Hasina: The Awami League is woven into the fabric of Bangladesh’s history and independence. We have endured assassination attempts, military regimes, and repeated efforts to eliminate us politically. This death sentence originates from a kangaroo court acting under the influence of an unelected interim government. We hope that democracy will soon return to Bangladesh, bringing with it a rightful role for our party. The ban on our party merely highlights the interim government’s insecurity and fear of a genuine democratic process.
Banning us will not erase the millions who support us. The Awami League has been elected nine times by the people because we are embedded in every village and neighborhood. We will persist in our fight through legal, diplomatic, and peaceful avenues to return Bangladesh to its people.
Question: Regarding ISI activities, meetings with Pakistani Army Chiefs, and comments about portraying India’s North-East as ‘Greater Bangladesh’ — what is your perspective on Dr. Yunus’s increasing closeness to Pakistan and his provocations towards India?
Sheikh Hasina: International entities have unanimously criticized Yunus’s actions. Members of his government are resigning in protest, while millions of Bangladeshis become increasingly aware of his maneuvers. It’s hardly surprising that Yunus is hurriedly seeking out Pakistan, a regional player he fails to comprehend, in search of any form of international validation.
Yunus lacks both the expertise and authority required for effective diplomacy, which revolves around long-term partnerships and the nation’s strategic interests. I commend India’s patience as it awaits a leader who can truly represent our country, rather than catering to a handful of unpopular extremists.
Question: In 1971, more than 200,000 Bangladeshi women were victimized by the Pakistan Army — do you believe Pakistan is attempting to recreate a similar oppressive environment now?
Sheikh Hasina: The violence we are witnessing today — targeting minorities, attacking women, and attempts to erase our liberation history — are disturbing reminders of 1971.
We fought against this ideology in our war and built Bangladesh to be a robust, secular, and safe state, especially for women and minorities. It’s in our nation’s best interest to foster a stable, constructive relationship with Pakistan. However, strong leadership is essential: not only to safeguard our nation but also to protect those within it.
Question: Since you left office, with the rift that has arisen in India–Bangladesh relations — do you think these ties can improve again?
Sheikh Hasina: I am confident that our relationship with India can endure the trivialities of the Yunus interlude, which will ultimately be temporary. India is more than just a strategic partner; it is a friend with which we share cultural ties, histories, and a 4,000km border. Once Bangladeshis are able to vote freely, they will choose a leader who can be the friend India deserves. I appreciate our neighbor’s patience as it waits for common sense to prevail.
Question: Bangladesh’s interim government has officially requested your extradition from India; if India complies, will you return to face the trial, or will you see it as a scheme for political assassination?
Sheikh Hasina: This is a political assassination masquerading as a judicial proceeding. The so-called International Crimes Tribunal is neither international nor just, as many respected foreign jurists have pointed out. Its verdict has been manipulated by my political adversaries. Returning to Dhaka under the Yunus regime would obviously be unsafe for me.
I have frequently challenged the interim government to bring these charges before the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Yunus refuses because they are aware that the ICC would acquit me and scrutinize his government’s own appalling record of human rights abuses.
Question: A Dhaka court has sentenced you to death in a ‘Crimes against Humanity’ case while you are in India on asylum. Do you feel that your life and path to justice now depend on decisions made in New Delhi?
Sheikh Hasina: I am profoundly thankful to the Indian people for their hospitality. I never intended to leave my home, but staying would have posed risks of violence against myself and those trying to shield me.
Justice will arise through international pressure and the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh. Various entities, including Human Rights Watch, the UN High Commissioner, and Amnesty International, have condemned these proceedings. My path to justice relies on Bangladesh reclaiming constitutional governance and the rule of law, not any single nation’s decision.
Question: Do you believe that the next election under Dr. Yunus will be genuinely free and fair?
Sheikh Hasina: No election can be free, fair, or inclusive while the ban on the Awami League is in place. Yunus has deprived tens of millions of citizens of their vote, denying the nation a choice. Any election conducted without us undermines the legitimacy of the ensuing government.
This administration has prohibited our party, wrongfully detained thousands, silenced journalists, and compromised judicial independence. I trust my response to your question is clear.
Question: In the future, will you pass on the political legacy of the Awami League to your son Sajeeb Wazed and your daughter Saima Wazed? Will they shoulder the responsibility of leading the party in the years to come?
Sheikh Hasina: The future of the Awami League will be determined by its members and supporters. Our party has deep roots in every region of Bangladesh, with millions of committed members who have kept the spirit of 1971 alive through decades of struggle.
My family has sacrificed for Bangladesh’s independence. However, leadership is not about inheritance; it’s about earning the trust of the people. The party will decide its direction when Bangladesh returns to democracy. What matters now is our unity, peace, and commitment to restoring genuine democracy to our nation.
