Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday (August 5) announced that she would return to Bangladesh in December despite the possibility of arrest, imprisonment, or even threats to her life, saying that her duty to the people outweighed concerns for her personal safety.

Addressing her first virtual media briefing from New Delhi since leaving Bangladesh in 2024, Hasina said she could no longer remain away while her supporters and fellow citizens continued to face hardships.

“Whatever fate awaits me, I will return to my people. I cannot stay away while my beloved countrymen are suffering. I want to go back in the month of December,” she said.

Acknowledging the risks involved, the former prime minister said she was prepared for any outcome upon her return.

“They may kill me, put me in jail. I know I may get detained, I may be sent to prison, they may try to force politically-motivated fabricated cases, but fear cannot decide my duty to the people. My life went beyond calculations of personal safety long ago,” she said.

Recalls imprisonment, exile, personal loss

Hasina reflected on the challenges she has faced throughout her political life, recalling imprisonment, exile and the assassination of her family members.

“In 1971, I was in imprisonment with my mother. My son Joy was born in captivity. In 1975, I lost my family. I spent six years in exile,” she said.

Also read: Sheikh Hasina breaks silence, to hold presser on Aug 5 to reveal homecoming plans

She said her decision to return was motivated by a desire to stand beside the people of Bangladesh and contribute to improving their lives.

Her remarks come amid continuing political uncertainty in Bangladesh following her departure from Dhaka after widespread unrest and protests that culminated in the collapse of her government in 2024.

Defends her govt’s response to 2024 unrest

Hasina also defended her government’s handling of the July-August 2024 agitation, rejecting claims that it was a peaceful student-led movement.

“It was not a peaceful student movement. It was not a spontaneous student protest,” she said, alleging that the agitation was a coordinated campaign that used students as a cover for violence and regime change.

Also read: India distances itself from Sheikh Hasina’s virtual presser, denies govt involvement

Questioning criticism of the police response, she argued that the state had a responsibility to protect lives and public property.

“When police and government buildings are burnt and looted, does the state have no duty to protect life and property?” she asked.

Hasina said she had constituted a judicial inquiry commission on July 18, 2024, to investigate the violence and record every casualty.

Praises India’s support

Describing India as a “great friend” of Bangladesh, Hasina expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended to her during her stay.

Responding to a question on whether the Indian government was aware of her plans to return, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy said the announcement had already become international news and would naturally be known in India.

Also read: Bangladesh seeks India’s stand on Sheikh Hasina’s virtual event, issues warning

He added that Hasina had been treated with the dignity and security accorded to a head of government.

“India is treating her like a head of state, treating her very well. She is staying here with full security as a head of state. Prime Minister Modi’s government has shown her the utmost respect,” Joy said.