Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina, in an exclusive interview given to StuffUnknown, has spoken openly about the interim government, Mohammad Yunus, the role of Pakistan and India-Bangladesh relations. He described India as a reliable friend of Bangladesh and expressed confidence that despite the temporary political turmoil, relations between the two countries will remain strong. Read the full interview –
Question: If a political party is banned and its leader is given death penalty, then how will the future of that party be secure?
answer: “The Awami League is a party deeply rooted in the history of Bangladesh and its struggle for independence. We have faced assassination attempts, military rule and repeated attempts at political elimination in the past. This death sentence has been handed down by a ‘Kangaroo Court’ acting at the behest of an unelected interim government. We are hopeful and confident that democracy will sooner or later return to Bangladesh and with it our party will also get its rightful and honorable The current ban imposed on the party actually highlights the insecurity of the interim government and its fear of real democratic competition.,
By banning a party, millions of its supporters cannot be eliminated. Awami League has been elected nine times by the people because our roots are in every village and every locality of the country. We will continue our struggle through legal, diplomatic and peaceful means, so that Bangladesh can be returned to its people.
Question: Activity of ISI, meetings with Pak Army Chiefs, showing India’s North-East as ‘Greater Bangladesh’, comments on Siliguri Corridor – Mohammad Yunus’s growing closeness to Pakistan and provoking India – what is your opinion on all these incidents?
answer: “International organizations have unanimously condemned Yunus’s actions, members of his government are resigning in protest, and millions of Bangladeshis are beginning to see through his game. It’s no surprise that Yunus is so quick to embrace Pakistan, turning to a regional player he doesn’t even understand very well, and begging for any kind of international recognition”. Yunus has neither the expertise nor the mandate to conduct diplomacy, which is about long-term partnerships and the country’s strategic interests. I appreciate India’s patience as it waits for a leader who can represent our country, not just a handful of unpopular extremists.
Question: In 1971, Pakistani Army raped more than two lakh Bangladeshi women. Do you think that today Pakistan is trying to create the same oppressive environment or instability again?
answer: “The violence we see today — ‘the targeting of minorities, attacks on women and attempts to erase the history of our liberation struggle’ — all echo the disturbing memories of 1971.” “We fought against this ideology in the war, and we built Bangladesh a strong, secular, and safe country – especially for women and minorities. It is in our country’s interest to have a stable, constructive relationship with Pakistan. But we also need strong leadership: not just to protect our country, but to protect those inside the country.”
Question: After you, there has been a rift in India-Bangladesh relations, is it possible to improve these relations again?
answer: “I have no doubt that our relations with India can survive this period of Yunus nonsense, which is short-lived. India is not just a strategic partner, but a friend with whom we share culture, history and a 4,000-km border. Once Bangladeshis are able to vote freely, they will elect a leader who is worthy of being India’s friend, and I appreciate the patience of our neighbor India as she Waiting for the wise one to come”.
Question: The interim government of Bangladesh has officially requested your extradition from India; If India agrees to deport you back to Dhaka, will you go back to face trial, or will you oppose it as a political assassination plot?
answer: “This is a political murder carried out in judicial garb. The so-called International Crimes Tribunal is neither international nor impartial, as many respected foreign jurists have pointed out. Its verdict has been fabricated by my political opponents. It would obviously not be safe for me to return to Dhaka under the Yunus regime.” “I have repeatedly challenged the interim government to bring these allegations before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. Yunus refuses, because he knows the ICC will acquit me and investigate his government’s poor record of human rights violations”.
Question: A court in Dhaka has sentenced you to death in the case of ‘crimes against humanity’, but you are living with asylum in India. Do you feel that now both your life and the path to justice depend on the decisions taken in New Delhi?
answer: “I am very grateful to the Indian people for welcoming me. I did not want to leave my home, but staying there put not only me at risk of violence but also those who tried to save me.” “Justice will come through international pressure and the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh. The international community, including Human Rights Watch, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Amnesty International, and Amnesty International have condemned these actions. My path to justice depends not on the decision of any one country, but on the return of constitutional rule and the rule of law to Bangladesh.”
Question: Are you confident that the next election under the leadership of Mohammad Yunus will be truly free and fair?
answer: “As long as the ban on Awami League remains in place, no election can be free, fair nor inclusive. Yunus has deprived millions of citizens of the right to vote and has deprived the country of the right to choose. Any election held without us will undermine the legitimacy of the next government.” “This administration has banned our party, detained thousands of people in false cases, silenced journalists and destroyed the independence of the judiciary. So the answer to your question, I hope, is completely clear.”
Question: In future, will you hand over the political legacy of Awami League to your son Sajeeb Wazed and daughter Saima Wazed? Will he take over the leadership of the party in the coming years?
answer: “The future of the Awami League will be decided by its workers and supporters. Our party has its roots in every corner of Bangladesh and we have millions of dedicated members who have kept the spirit of 1971 alive during decades of struggle.” “My family has paid the price of Bangladesh’s independence with their blood. But leadership is not something to be inherited — it is achieved by winning the trust of the people. When democracy returns to Bangladesh, the party will decide its own future direction. What is most important at this time is that we remain united, peaceful and committed to the restoration of real democracy in our country.”
Sheikh Hasina Hasina interview
