Breaking her silence in an exclusive conversation with India Today Global, former Prime Minister and exiled Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina delivered strong statements on Bangladesh's current political climate. Sheltered at a secret location in Delhi, Hasina levied serious allegations about the ongoing instability in her homeland, the ban on the Awami League, and the rise of an 'unelected, extremist-backed regime.' In her stark appraisal, the leader, who served as Prime Minister four times, spoke candidly about her enforced exile, the threat to democracy, and her concerns for the nation's future.
'No Legitimate Elections Without the Awami League'
Sheikh Hasina emphasized that excluding the Awami League from the electoral process is a blatant breach of democratic principles. She maintained, 'Elections without the Awami League can never be legitimate. These elections are orchestrated within an unconstitutional framework by an unelected government, which is robbing millions of their democratic rights.'
Hasina insisted that whether in government or opposition, the Awami League should not be marginalized in this manner. It is crucial for Bangladesh's benefit to lift this ban, lest the nation miss the opportunity to form a government that genuinely represents the people's will. The people of Bangladesh desire stability, and the cycle of bans and boycotts must finally come to an end.
'I Wish to Return, but So Must Democracy'
When asked about her return, she declared, 'My commitment to Bangladesh is unwavering. My life has been dedicated to bettering the country, and that dedication remains as strong as ever. The condition for my return is the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh through free, fair, and inclusive elections, with the re-inclusion of the Awami League.'
Sheikh Hasina stated, 'Personal power is not my desire. It was never about me or my family. It's about allowing the people of Bangladesh to exercise their fundamental right to choose their representatives. It's about ensuring economic progress, a pluralistic political culture, and the protection of citizens' rights, regardless of their political or religious affiliations.'
'Some Decisions Could Have Been Made Better'
Reflecting on her tenure, Hasina acknowledged that every leader, in hindsight, identifies decisions that could have been made differently. Looking back, I believe certain issues, particularly the public service quota system, could have been addressed with more dialogue and participation. Mechanisms were in place, as we demonstrated before, but perhaps swifter action was needed.
She added, 'Had situations not deteriorated, we could have completed the unbiased investigations initiated immediately after the initial deaths. However, after Yunus seized power, this process was halted. I regret that we could not provide answers to those families who tragically lost loved ones and deserved the truth. Regrettably, the supposed investigations ordered by the interim government were mere political tools to scapegoat and discredit the Awami League.'
'Yunus Can Criticize but Never Equal'
Sheikh Hasina stated, 'I stand firmly on what we have achieved as a nation during my 15-year rule. Our internationally recognized economic growth, large infrastructure projects, business partnerships, and everyday changes lifting millions from poverty to create a more inclusive society, are accomplishments to take pride in.'
She added, 'The people of Bangladesh are remarkably capable and hardworking, and we have empowered them to achieve a 450% GDP increase in 15 years. Critics like Yunus can disparage our legacy, but they will never accomplish anything comparable for the country.'
