I will return this year: Sheikh Hasina in NDTV interview

Awami League President and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, currently residing in India, has said she will return to Bangladesh this year despite all obstacles and adversities. She stated that her return is not a matter of personal ambition but is tied to the re-establishment of democracy, rule of law and people's political rights.

In an email interview with Indian media outlet NDTV, published after the Awami League's 77th founding anniversary programmes, Hasina said the death sentence against her was politically motivated and not the result of an independent judicial process. She claimed the judiciary was being used as a tool for political revenge.

She said she is not afraid of death, having lost her parents, brothers and most of her family members in 1975, and having survived the August 21 grenade attack. "I will return to the country this year, ignoring all obstacles," she said.

Regarding the Awami League's organisational strength, Hasina said the party is not just a political organisation but a force rooted in the hearts of the people. She claimed the party's public support remains intact and it will rise again through the strength of the people.

Criticising the current government, she said democracy, rule of law and security are lacking. She alleged that the economy has weakened, attacks on minorities have increased and extremism is spreading.

On the party being banned and cases against its leaders, Hasina said the Awami League's future does not depend on any government's goodwill but on people's support.

She expressed concern over the safety of minority communities, calling for proper investigation and justice for attacks. Regarding her exile in India, she said her personal life is secondary to the struggle for people's rights and democracy.