Sheikh Hasina breaks silence after two years, img: X
Dhaka: After nearly two years, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina addressed the public virtually on Wednesday. During the approximately 25-minute address, she made several significant claims but kept the camera turned off throughout the speech. She stated that whether she is imprisoned or assassinated, she will still return to Bangladesh.
In her address, Hasina said, "I know there could be attempts on my life, false cases filed against me, and even punishment, but I will certainly return to my country. I must go back to my people." Her statement has once again stirred up the political landscape in Bangladesh.
"I did not leave the country of my own volition"
Sheikh Hasina also spoke about the circumstances under which she left the country. She mentioned that in August 2024, when protesters were advancing towards the Prime Minister's residence, she had only 30 to 40 minutes to leave. She stated that she had no intention of leaving the country; she was preparing to visit her ancestral village, Tungipara, but the situation escalated so rapidly that she was forced to leave Bangladesh. According to Hasina, she was unaware at the time that she would remain away from her country for such a long period.
The most discussed aspect of this press conference was the fact that the camera remained off. According to media reports, Sheikh Hasina is currently staying at a secure and undisclosed location. Turning on the camera posed a risk of revealing her location, security arrangements, or details about her surroundings.
Furthermore, Bangladesh has previously expressed objections to India regarding Sheikh Hasina's political activities. Had she conveyed a political message via video, it could have sparked a fresh diplomatic dispute. For this reason, she chose to convey her message through audio only.
In her address, Sheikh Hasina made special mention of India. She stated that India has always been a friend to Bangladesh and has stood by the nation during every difficult time. She said, "Whether it was 1971, 1975, or the present day, India has always stood by us. Governments may change, and relationships may see ups and downs, but India has been a good friend." However, she also clarified that she ultimately wishes to return to her own people.
Sheikh Hasina also made several serious claims regarding the movement of July 2024. She stated that during that period, more than 450 police stations were set on fire. Attacks were carried out on numerous government buildings, and many police personnel lost their lives. She alleged that some police officers were burned alive. She questioned the situation, noting that while it was the security forces' responsibility to take action when law and order was deteriorating, that very action was later used against them. These claims could not be independently verified in this report.
Sheikh Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, also participated in the press conference. He claimed that after August 2024, thousands of people were sent to jail and many were detained without trial. He alleged that Awami League activists are being targeted and that impartial action is not being taken in cases of political violence. Joy stated that the atmosphere against political opponents in the country is steadily worsening.
