Sheikh Hasina Plans Return Amid Bangladesh Political Crisis; Criticizes BNP, Urges Election, and Denounces Persecution
September 2, 2026
She plans to return to Bangladesh in December, urging the ruling BNP to lift the ban on the Awami League and to convene a general election.
Former prime minister says she will come home by December and accuses the government of persecuting Awami League leaders amid the political crisis.
She notes the December return is driven by duty to the people and Awami League supporters, while saying a precise entry date cannot be fixed yet due to security and organizational considerations.
Protests led largely by students over a discriminatory quota system intensified into violence, with the UN reporting thousands of deaths during state actions.
She characterizes the August 2024 upheaval as a coordinated political operation rather than a spontaneous student movement, citing a judicial inquiry commission and criticizing those who blocked the inquiry and spread propaganda.
The overarching tone centers on resilience, accountability, and restoring democracy and people’s rights, while outlining personal history, political stance, and national achievements and challenges.
She recalls India providing safety after a family tragedy in 1975 and emphasizes Nizamuddin Dargah as a personal place of remembrance and prayer.
She remains defiant about facing legal cases, including a death sentence in absentia from the International Crimes Tribunal, calling it politically motivated and a mockery of justice.
Hasina accuses the BNP and Tarique Rahman of stifling democracy and pressuring the judiciary for political revenge, claiming democratic space is closed and the judiciary is weaponized.
She describes the political scene as a national crisis and calls for an independent investigation into the anti-quota protests and into the broader political suppression.
She asserts that banning the party deprives millions of political rights and deepens the national crisis, arguing for comprehensive accountability.
She rejects linking her extradition to India-Bangladesh relations and defends Tarique Rahman’s actions in Britain as not harming bilateral ties.
Summary based on 3 sources
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Sources

IndiaNewsNetwork • Sep 2, 2026
Sheikh Hasina Calls for Political Change in Bangladesh Amid Crisis