"I ask only that Bangladesh be judged by the same universal democratic principles upheld worldwide: free and fair elections, constitutional governance, due process, freedom of expression, political pluralism, and equal protection under the law," said ex Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina.
In a virtual press conference with scribes in Washington, she said:
"Political disagreement is natural and necessary in a democracy. Governments must be held accountable. But democracy cannot survive when dissent becomes a pretext to exclude entire political parties or silence millions of citizens."
She said : "I do not seek the United States to take sides in Bangladesh’s domestic politics."
However, she insisted that the supporters of the Awami League are Bangladeshi citizens and "cannot be erased from the political landscape. Equally, those who oppose my government are citizens whose rights must be respected".
The future of Bangladesh must be built on reconciliation, not revenge, she emphasised.
"I will go back to Bangladesh in December. I am not afraid. I know they can kill me, arrest me and torture me...It's my responsibility to go," she said, without giving the exact date for her return.
"How risky it is, I don't care. I have to go back," Hasina added. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, subsequently told journalists that no date had been fixed and that an announcement would be made closer to the time.
The Awami League leader has been living in India since her removal from power. She also thanked the Indian government and people for receiving her and providing refuge during a period of political upheaval.
In the meantime, Jamaat-e-Islami secretary general Mia Golam Porwar has accused the BNP government of creating an opportunity for the Awami League to return to politics through “wrong politics”.
“Do not push the country into a fire of anarchy and instability. By creating unrest and pushing the streets towards confrontation, you are giving the Awami League a chance to return to politics through your own wrong politics,” he said.
In her remarks at the virtual media conference Sheikh Hasina also said:
"Bangladesh needs a political environment where every citizen—regardless of political affiliation, religion, gender, social status, or region—can participate peacefully in shaping the nation’s future.
"The international community has a vital role. The United States wields significant influence in South Asia and with it comes responsibility—not to dictate who governs Bangladesh, but to champion democratic institutions, constitutional order, peaceful political competition, and respect for human rights."
She said: "Bangladesh’s strategic location at the crossroads of South and Southeast Asia, its role in the Bay of Bengal and the Indo-Pacific, its vibrant economy, and millions of livelihoods connected to the American market make its stability and prosperity a shared interest.
Our bilateral relationship should transcend personalities and be grounded in enduring national interests. I envision stronger Bangladesh-U.S. economic ties, increased American investment, expanded cooperation in education and technology, enhanced security collaboration, and deeper people-to-people connections.
"At the same time, Bangladesh must remain a sovereign nation capable of maintaining constructive relations with all partners—be it the United States, India, China, Japan, or Europe," she underscored.
Notably, seaking at an event in Rajshahi on Tuesday, Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman alleged that the ousted regime (Awam League) and a section of the opposition were conspiring to destabilise the country.
Citing intelligence reports, he claimed that the AL was sending money from abroad to a political party in Bangladesh to create unrest.
On 2024 Protests
Sheikh Hasina also acknowledged that her own administration faced difficult questions over its record and the events surrounding the 2024 protests. "I acknowledge the difficult questions surrounding my government, the events of 2024 and their aftermath," she said.
ends
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