Sheikh Hasina Plans Return to Bangladesh Despite Fears of Arrest or Assassination

DHAKA/NEW DELHI: Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India following her removal from office, has announced plans to voluntarily return to Bangladesh despite expressing fears that she could be arrested or even assassinated upon her arrival.

In a telephone interview with a British news agency, Sheikh Hasina said that she and other senior leaders of her party intend to return to Bangladesh around December.

She said she was aware of the risks involved, stating that she could be arrested or killed after returning to the country. “If death is inevitable, I would rather die on my own soil,” she said.

The former prime minister added that she intends to surrender before the court upon her return and clarified that there has been no contact with authorities in Dhaka regarding her planned return from exile.

Sheikh Hasina also alleged that leaders and workers of her political party are facing intense pressure and repression in Bangladesh.

According to the international news agency, the Bangladeshi government’s spokesperson declined to comment on Sheikh Hasina’s remarks.