Sheikh Hasina warns of 'dark days' under BNP rule, vows to return to Bangladesh 'very soon'

Bangladesh's former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, has said that the "dark days" like the ones between 2001 and 2006, the BNP's previous rule, would return in the country if the Tarique Rahman-led party stays in power.

In an interview with the Hindustan Times, Hasina said that she will go back to Bangladesh "very soon". The Awami League leader has been staying in exile in India since she was ousted in 2024.

"The matter of return does not depend on a specific date or time. We are continuing to work toward ensuring a democratic environment in Bangladesh, freedom of expression, political rights and the restoration of the rule of law. This is not only necessary for my return, but also for protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty and ensuring the overall welfare of the people," Hasina said.

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She added, "But I want to make one thing very clear: My absence does not mean my silence. Every moment, I am fighting for the country, and we are actively working at the diplomatic level, within international legal frameworks and through global media."

On rising anti-India rhetoric

The country under the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which formed the government after the recently held elections, has been witnessing rising anti-India rhetoric.

On this, Hasina said that India has been a long-standing friend and neighbour, and its support during the Liberation War is unquestionable. "However, in our country, anti-India rhetoric has long been one of the main tools of anti-liberation and ideologically bankrupt groups. The interim government of Yunus joined in this practice," she said.

She added that the Awami League was often accused by its opponents of giving in to India and signing agreements that went against national interests. However, neither the interim government during its 18 months in power nor the BNP has been able to produce evidence of even one such anti-national agreement.