I am coming, says ousted former PM Sheikh Hasina, vowing to 'return' to Bangladesh

Bangladesh's interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, has been seeking her extradition from India.

Hasina, facing violent protests against her regime over a job quota issue, fled to India on August 5, 2024, ending her newly elected term midway.

Hasina has addressed her party workers virtually on several occasions since then.

During the video conference on Monday, Hasina was quoted as saying by Mint: "That is why Allah has kept me alive. Don't worry. I am coming.”

The online event was reportedly attended by All European Awami League President Mohammad Nazrul Islam.

Islam was quoted as saying during the conversation: "Justice will happen one day. That day is not far away.”

The discussion took place for over an hour.

She targeted Yunus and his regime during the virtual meeting.

“We did not treat our opponents like this. But Yunus (is doing it) to consolidate power," Hasina was quoted as saying.

Hasina said, “Those who committed this heinous act must be tried in Bangladesh. We will do that. I tell the families of the martyrs, please be patient.”

Bangladesh Polls

Last month, Yunus said his administration is not planning to ban ousted former PM Sheikh Hasina's Awami League.

However, Yunus said those individuals in the party who are within its leadership role and face accusations of committing crimes, including murder and crimes against humanity, will be tried in Bangladesh's courts.

He said the government has not ruled out referring Awami League leaders to the International Criminal Court in The Hague following a UN fact-finding mission that reported potential crimes during the July uprising, reported Dhaka Tribune.

"It is very much on the table," Yunus said.

He made the remark while meeting a delegation from the International Crisis Group led by Dr Comfort Ero.

He informed the delegation that the group had set two possible timelines for elections.

Explaining the dates, he said if political parties seek a limited number of reforms prior to elections then the country will witness December polls.

He said the election will be held in June next year if a large reform package is desired.

“We have no reason to change the election dates,” he was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune.