Sheikh Hasina Vows To Return To Bangladesh By December, Challenges Extradition Demand

Sheikh Hasina To Return To Bangladesh By December, Questions Extradition Demand

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said she plans to return to Bangladesh by December, while challenging Dhaka’s decision to link her extradition to a possible visit to India by BNP leader and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Hasina said she had no intention of staying outside Bangladesh permanently and would decide for herself when and how to return.

‘I Want To Go Back’

Questioning Bangladesh’s position on her extradition, Hasina said her public statements made in India should not become an obstacle to bilateral relations.

“I addressed a press conference at an international forum. How can this be a problem for relations between two countries?” she said.

Hasina also pointed to Tarique Rahman’s political activities while he was living in Britain, questioning why she had not sought British intervention at the time.

“I want to go back on my own to my country. I will go back,” she said, adding that she had already decided to return by December. She said details about the date, time and route of her return would be announced later.

Accuses Dhaka Of Political Vendetta

Hasina accused the Bangladesh government of targeting Awami League leaders and workers through arrests, violence and criminal cases. She also alleged attacks on homes belonging to party members.

She claimed the extradition issue was being used for political purposes and said more than 600 cases had been filed against her. Hasina described the legal proceedings against her as politically motivated.

Defending her party, she questioned the decision to ban the Awami League and argued that its popularity should be determined through elections.

“Why did they ban the Awami League?” she asked, claiming that the party continued to have public support.

Hasina said she remained in contact with party leaders and workers and that decisions about their return would depend on internal consultations and the security situation.

“My return is not about power. It is about standing beside the people,” she said.

Raises Questions Over Fighter Jet Purchase

Hasina also questioned Bangladesh’s reported $2.3-billion deal to acquire Chinese J-10CE fighter jets, arguing that the country was facing economic difficulties and shortages.

She highlighted her government’s expansion of electricity generation to nearly 29,000 MW and said electricity had been provided to households across Bangladesh.

Hasina claimed the country was now struggling with shortages of resources needed for power generation and said gas shortages had forced five of Bangladesh’s six fertiliser factories to shut down.

“In such difficult circumstances, why this indulgence of acquiring fighter jets?” she asked.

She also referred to the Teesta water-sharing project, saying her government had discussed cooperation with India but declining to comment on the current administration’s position.

Warns Of Growing Extremism

Hasina backed her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy’s warning that Bangladesh could become “another Pakistan”, saying the statement was intended to highlight concerns over the country’s security environment.

She alleged that extremist networks, communal politics and terrorist activity were gaining ground, while political patronage and weakened institutions were creating additional risks.

She also expressed concern over reported attacks targeting shrines, dargahs, sculptures and cultural and secular spaces.

Hasina warned that a resurgence of extremist activity could have consequences beyond Bangladesh, potentially affecting India, Myanmar and the wider Bay of Bengal region, including trade, migration, maritime security and counterterrorism cooperation.

India Examining Extradition Request

India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on August 18 that any extradition request concerning Hasina was being examined through established processes.

Jaiswal said India remained committed to maintaining positive and constructive relations with Bangladesh based on mutual interests and reciprocity.

He also said India had extended an invitation to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit the country. Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry said discussions over a possible bilateral visit had been underway for several weeks.

Dhaka said the process had been affected by Hasina’s August 5 interaction in New Delhi. India has clarified that the event was organised by a private media organisation and was neither organised nor endorsed by the Indian government.

‘I Follow Developments Every Day’

Hasina said she continued to closely monitor developments in Bangladesh while staying in India.

“I follow developments in Bangladesh every day,” she said, referring to her interest in the situation of Awami League members and their families, the economy, law and order, minority safety and the concerns of young people.

Despite being away from Bangladesh, Hasina said it was the country’s people, language and rural landscape that she missed most.