Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asserted that she does not need the backing of any foreign power to return to her country, maintaining that her decision to come back from exile in India in December remains unchanged. “I value friendship and cooperation with all nations. That has always been our (Bangladesh's) foreign policy. But I do not need the blessing of a foreign power to return to my own country,” Hasina said to The Associated Press (AP) in an email interview. Ousted following a massive student-led uprising in August 2024, Hasina has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh. Despite facing a death sentence for crimes against humanity over the deadly crackdown on protesters during her tenure, the former Prime Minister has reiterated her intention to return in December. “I will return to Bangladesh. That decision has not changed,” she said, adding that she was prepared to face the consequences of her return. “I know that I may be arrested when I return. I may be imprisoned, tortured or even killed. I am fully aware of those possibilities. But I cannot spend the rest of my life watching my people suffer from a distance,” Hasina added. Hasina was sentenced to death in 2025 by a Bangladeshi special tribunal, which held her responsible for ordering the crackdown on protesters. The United Nations has estimated that nearly 1,400 people were killed during the violence, while thousands more were injured. The former Prime Minister has denied wrongdoing and rejected the tribunal's verdict, questioning the legitimacy of the trial. Bangladesh has repeatedly sought her extradition from India, but New Delhi has not handed her over. Alleging widespread persecution of party workers, Hasina claimed that at least 20 Awami League members had been killed since August 2024, while thousands had been arrested, tortured or forced into hiding. She also accused the authorities of targeting supporters by taking away their homes, businesses and livelihoods. “There is no normal political or democratic environment,” she said, alleging systematic suppression of her party. Hasina's remarks come months after Tarique Rahman, son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and a longtime political rival, swept to power in February's general election. The election was held under the interim administration led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who took charge following Hasina's removal. The Awami League was barred from contesting the polls. Her remarks come amid concerns raised by rights organisations and independent observers over attacks on civil liberties, political rights and minority communities in Bangladesh. Human Rights Watch and other rights groups have criticised the Rahman government over alleged assaults on civil and political freedoms. The government, however, has maintained that arrests are based on specific charges and denied allegations of a systematic crackdown. Mahima Joshi works as a Chief Copy Editor at Times Now and is part of the India and Breaking Desk. Covering national stories and bringing breaking new... View More