New Delhi (EFE) — Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has defended her innocence over allegations linked to the deaths of 1,400 people during the 2024 protests, speaking just hours before a general election that could definitively end her political career.
In written responses to questions from EFE sent from an undisclosed location, Hasina — who ruled Bangladesh for 15 years and is currently living in exile in India — described the interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus as an “illegal” regime allied with “terrorists.”
Hasina, daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s founding leader, faces a death sentence handed down in absentia by the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka, along with an extradition order. She maintains that her removal from power was the result of a conspiracy aimed at dismantling what she describes as the secular and economic legacy of her administration.
On Her Leadership and Legacy
Asked what she believes is the biggest misunderstanding about her leadership, Hasina said:
“You need only look at the lies peddled by the interim government to see how misunderstood our time in government was. Bangladesh today offers the clearest possible demonstration of what we were protecting the country from.”
She defended her record, citing economic growth, poverty reduction, expanded food production, women’s empowerment, and counterterrorism efforts.
“These were not my achievements alone; they belonged to the Bangladeshi people who trusted us repeatedly with their votes,” she said.
Hasina argued that the country’s economic and social stability has deteriorated under the interim administration, alleging persecution of minorities, harassment of journalists, and politically motivated prosecutions.
On Democracy and Political Space
Responding to criticism that democratic space shrank during her tenure, Hasina acknowledged imperfections.
“No government is without flaws. Democracy requires constant attention and humility,” she said.
However, she rejected comparisons between her government and the current administration, stating:
“There is a fundamental difference between imperfect democracy and the wholesale elimination of political choice.”
She denied banning opposition parties or dismantling constitutional structures, and accused the interim government of scapegoating the Awami League, which has since been suspended from political activity.
On Her Conviction and Death Sentence
On her conviction in absentia for crimes against humanity on November 17, 2025, Hasina rejected the verdict outright.
“This was not a trial seeking justice, but one designed to eliminate a political opponent,” she said.
She alleged judicial bias, denial of due process, and unreliable evidence.
“To be absolutely clear: I have never killed anyone, nor did I issue orders to do so.”
Hasina claimed she established an inquiry into the protest-related deaths and invited the United Nations to observe developments. She accused the interim government of dissolving the inquiry and relying on what she called an “unverified” UN figure of 1,400 deaths.
She further challenged authorities to refer the case to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
On Alleged Foreign Involvement
Hasina reiterated claims that the uprising that forced her from power may have involved external actors, though she stopped short of providing direct evidence.
She said the protests began as legitimate student demonstrations over civil service quotas, but later evolved into coordinated violence targeting state infrastructure.
“Police stations were systematically burned, communications infrastructure destroyed, and officers lynched,” she said.
While acknowledging uncertainty about foreign involvement, she argued that the release of convicted extremists and their alleged elevation to government positions suggested premeditated planning.
On Calls to “Overthrow” the Interim Government
Addressing a January 23 broadcast in which she said the interim government should be removed “at any cost,” Hasina clarified that she was advocating lawful and peaceful means.
“I will always encourage my supporters to act with dignity and within the law — through peaceful protest, legal advocacy and international pressure.”
She outlined five demands:
- Removal of the interim government and restoration of democracy
- Restoration of rule of law
- Protection of minorities and women
- Withdrawal of politically motivated cases
- A UN-led international investigation into protest-related deaths
On Awami League Members
Hasina claimed that more than 152,000 Awami League members and supporters are currently detained, including over 120 former Members of Parliament. She alleged mistreatment in custody and politically motivated prosecutions.
“Political affiliation should never be punishable by imprisonment,” she said.
She urged supporters to remain peaceful and patient.
On Conditions for Her Return
Hasina said she would only consider returning to Bangladesh once constitutional governance is restored.
She listed the lifting of the ban on the Awami League, release of political prisoners, and free and fair elections as prerequisites.
“Once democracy is restored and the rule of law re-established, then I will be able to return,” she said.
She described the current environment as unsafe, citing her death sentence and what she called a lack of judicial independence.
Source: EFE