Washington: Speaking at a press conference in Washington virtually, Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reiterated her intention of returning to her country in December. She spoke over the telephone at the conference, which was also attended by her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy.
Hitting out at the current BNP government, led by Tarique Rahman, in Bangladesh, Hasina said she wasn’t scared to return to her country. “I will go back to Bangladesh in December. I am not afraid…It’s my responsibility to go,” she said, without citing the exact date for her return.
Hasina had fled Bangladesh following the collapse of her government in August 2024. Shrugging off fear of being imprisoned or facing hostility, she said it was her political duty to stand by the side of her supporters.
Sajeeb Wazed Joy also informed the reporters that no date had been fixed for her return. But he said an announcement would be made closer to the time.
The Awami League leader, who had been living in India since her removal from power, thanked Indian government. She felt the same warmth was extended to her in India as in 1975 during Indira Gandhi’s regime.
Hasina also accused the current political leadership under PM Tarique Rehman of using criminal proceedings against her and members of the Awami League to suppress political opposition. “I ask that Bangladeshis determine their government through free, inclusive political processes,” Hasina said, while calling for fair trial.
She called for independent courts, freedom of expression, political association, protection of minorities and respect for due process. She argued that excluding political parties from democratic participation would deepen divisions.
According to her, the future of Bangladesh must be built on reconciliation, not revenge.
Meanwhile, Sajeeb Wazed Joy blamed the BNP government of spreading radicalism in Bangladesh. He alleged that Lashkar-e-Taiba commanders from Pakistan had spoken at public rallies in Bangladesh under the new government.
“USAID was heavily involved in funding organizations that were really active on social media, especially, and mainstream media, including radio to rile up the youth. There was a lot of messaging leading up to that (2024 protests). Pakistan was involved probably as well, but not quite. Pakistan was involved more on the militancy side. And so the students, many of them turned out to be armed militants. They were the ones who were attacking police and killing police. These weapons and the money was supplied by someone, and we believe that came from Pakistan.”
Sajeeb Wazed Joy had mentioned about the rise of radicalism on his social media account by sharing articles and news reports.
In an article that Wazeed had shared, it has been alleged that returning to power in alliance with radical elements, the BNP leadership has reverted to its historically dangerous playbook, normalizing extremist networks rather than purging them from state structures. It has been alleged that individuals associated with proscribed terror cells are being integrated into local governance structures and political coalitions under the pretext of democratic inclusion.
It also cites intelligence reports that confirm that transnational radical groups, including ISIS affiliates and Rohingya militant factions are leveraging porous southeastern borders and lawless refugee camps to run recruitment drives and illegal arms trafficking networks funded by foreign entities.
Specialized police units, including the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, have been systematically purged or deprioritized, neutering Bangladesh’s intelligence apparatus, the report claims.
