NewzBangladesh's ex-premier Sheikh Hasina fled to India by helicopter in August 2024 after a student-led uprising ended her 15-year rule. (EPA Images pic)NEW DELHI: Bangladesh's fugitive ex-premier Sheikh Hasina told AFP she was determined to return to her country by December despite fearing for her life."I may be killed. I may be sent to prison," Hasina, 78, said in an emailed response to questions by AFP."I am fully aware of my fate.
Still, I want to go back because my people are calling me," she said.Toppled in August 2024 by a student-led uprising that ended her 15-year, iron-fisted rule, Hasina fled by helicopter to India as crowds stormed her palace.The UN says up to 1,400 people were killed in crackdowns as she tried to cling to power.In November, Hasina was found guilty by a Dhaka court of crimes against humanity and sentenced to be hanged - a verdict she described as "political vengeance dressed up as law".The former prime minister, who has been living in a secret location in India, insisted there was no pressure for her to return.Relations between India and Bangladesh, strained under the interim administration that took power after Hasina's fall, have stabilised since Bangladeshi prime minister Tarique Rahman took office in February.Dhaka has formally requested Hasina's extradition - a request New Delhi has said is "under examination".Hasina said the issue had "no connection" with her decision to return."I can say that I am staying in India with due respect and dignity," she said."Indian authorities have not discussed extradition with me. I myself have decided to return to my country," she added.No apologyThe Bangladeshi government has said it will ensure Hasina receives due legal process in all cases against her should she return.Rights groups have long accused Hasina's former administration of abuses including the murder of rivals, suppression of opposition parties, rigged courts and one-sided elections.However, Hasina defended her record, saying many of the allegations were "politically constructed campaigns"."Every time allegations were made, investigations were opened and those involved in crimes were brought to justice," Hasina added.Human Rights Watch said on Tuesday that Bangladeshi authorities were failing to uphold international legal standards."Those responsible for the many abuses committed under the Sheikh Hasina govern… Last November, Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal in Dhaka for alleged “crimes against humanity” over her government’s brutal crackdown on student-led protests in 2024
Bangladesh’s fugitive ex-prime minister Sheikh Hasina said she was determined to return to her country by December despite fearing for her life. I may be sent to prison,” Hasina, 78, said in an email. Still, I want to go back because my people are calling me.” Toppled in August 2024 by a student-led uprising that ended her 15-year, iron-fisted rule, Hasina fled by helicopter to India as crowds stormed her palace.
Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina plans to return to Bangladesh by December. She is prepared to face arrest, imprisonment, or even execution upon her arrival. Hasina fled the country in August 2024 after widespread protests ended her rule.
Her party faces repression and legal proceedings following the change in government.
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