New Delhi, June 29:
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said she will return to Bangladesh this year despite facing a death sentence in absentia and the ban on her Awami League party. In an interview with NDTV, Hasina described the verdict against her as politically motivated and said her return was linked to restoring democracy, the rule of law and the spirit of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. She claimed the Awami League remained a strong political force with widespread public support despite government restrictions. Hasina accused the interim administration and the BNP government of undermining democracy, weakening the economy and failing to protect minority communities. Calling attacks on Hindus and other minorities a threat to Bangladesh’s founding ideals, she urged authorities to ensure their safety. Rejecting reports of secret talks with the BNP, Hasina said constitutional rights and justice could not be negotiated through backchannel deals.