Former Bangladesh Prime Minister says the verdict against her is politically motivated
June 28, 2026: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has declared that she will return to Bangladesh this year despite living in exile, facing a death sentence in absentia, and the nationwide ban imposed on her party, the Awami League. In an exclusive email interview with NDTV, Hasina described the verdict against her as politically motivated and insisted that her return is aimed at restoring democracy, the rule of law, and the ideals of the country’s Liberation War rather than pursuing personal power. She said she had survived multiple assassination attempts and political conspiracies throughout her career and remained committed to serving the people of Bangladesh.
Speaking about the legal action against her, Hasina alleged that the judiciary was being used as a tool for political revenge to weaken the Awami League. She said previous attempts to eliminate the party had failed and expressed confidence that history would repeat itself. Recalling the assassination of her family in 1975 and the grenade attack on her in 2004, she said she did not fear death and remained determined to continue her political struggle. “Overcoming every obstacle and every conspiracy, I will return to my country this year,” she said.
Responding to questions about the future of the Awami League after the nationwide ban and crackdown, Hasina maintained that the party’s strength comes from its deep connection with the people rather than political circumstances. She described the Awami League as a political force rooted in Bangladesh’s history and identity, saying it had survived repeated attacks and bans over its 77-year history. Calling on party workers to remain united, she said the Awami League stood for rights, dignity, security, and development, and expressed confidence that the party would regain strength through public support.