‘I am not afraid of death, I will return to my country this year’ – Sheikh Hasina’s statement creates new stir in Bangladesh politics

New Delhi. Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has sparked a new discussion in political circles by expressing her desire to return to her country. Hasina, who has been living in India since her ouster from power in August 2024, has said that she is planning to return to Bangladesh this year. He also clarified that he has no fear for his life. After his statement, the rhetoric among the political parties of the country has intensified.

Signs of withdrawal increased political discussion

This statement of Hasina has come at a time when there is speculation about the re-activation of the banned Awami League. Political analysts believe that the party’s support base seems to be getting stronger again in both rural and urban areas. Meanwhile, Hasina’s possible comeback is being given more importance after Awami League-affiliated leaders were allowed to contest as independent candidates in the local body elections.

‘It’s not a personal fight, it’s a fight for democracy’

In an interview, Sheikh Hasina said that her return was not part of any personal ambition, but an effort to restore democracy, rule of law and the original spirit of the liberation war in Bangladesh. He said that Awami League is not just a political party but a strong political force in the country. She described the alleged attacks on minorities as an attack on the country’s spirit of independence and reiterated that she would return to her country this year.

Called the cases against him political

The former prime minister termed the cases registered against him and the alleged death sentence verdict as political vendetta. According to him, this entire process is illegal and unconstitutional. Hasina said she was not afraid of death, as she had lost her parents, brothers and most of her family members in 1975. She also reminded that there were many fatal attacks on her earlier also, but every time she became politically active and returned to the public.

Different reactions from government and opposition

Sources associated with the political camp led by Tariq Rehman have described Sheikh Hasina’s statement as a strategy to create political pressure. He says that the present government is not worried about this announcement, because it has the support of the public.

At the same time, leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami raised the question whether the way is being prepared for the return of Awami League in Bangladesh. He also expressed apprehension whether an attempt was being made to establish a one-party political system in the country.

Serious allegations against the current government

Sheikh Hasina also criticized the current government and the former interim administration in her statement. He alleged that democratic institutions in the country have weakened, the law and order situation has deteriorated, pressure on the economy has increased and attacks against minorities have increased. He also claimed that the influence of fundamentalist forces is increasing in Bangladesh. However, the present government has rejected all these allegations and called them baseless.

Now political analysts are keeping an eye on whether the announcement of Sheikh Hasina’s return proves to be only a political message or whether she will actually return to Bangladesh and play a role in active politics again in the coming months.