Sheikh Hasina Breaks Silence After Two Years, Says ‘Forced Away From My Country But Never Separated From My People’

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has broken her silence in her first major public address since being removed from power in August 2024, becoming emotional while speaking about her exile, her supporters and the future of Bangladesh.

Addressing supporters after nearly two years away from office, Hasina said she may have been forced to leave her homeland but her bond with the people of Bangladesh remained intact. Her remarks came amid growing political tensions in Bangladesh, fresh concerns over India-Bangladesh relations and allegations by her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy about increasing influence of Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI.

Sheikh Hasina’s First Major Address Since Ouster

The address marked Sheikh Hasina’s first significant public appearance after she left Bangladesh following the dramatic collapse of her government in 2024.

Speaking about her departure, Hasina became emotional as she recalled her decades-long political journey and her connection with ordinary citizens.

She said leaving Bangladesh was among the most painful moments of her life but maintained that distance had not weakened her relationship with the people who supported her and the Awami League.

Hasina used the address to defend her political legacy and raise concerns over the direction Bangladesh has taken after the change in government.

How Sheikh Hasina Lost Power After 15 Years

Sheikh Hasina’s government came under severe pressure in 2024 after student protests that initially began over reforms to Bangladesh’s government job quota system.

The movement, which started as a student-led campaign, quickly expanded into a nationwide anti-government protest after clashes between demonstrators, security forces and supporters of the ruling Awami League.

The unrest escalated in July and early August 2024, leading to widespread violence and a major political crisis.

On August 5, 2024, Hasina resigned as prime minister and left Bangladesh as thousands of protesters gathered in Dhaka and moved towards key government buildings.

Her exit ended her more than 15-year rule and marked one of the biggest political shifts in Bangladesh’s history.

Hasina Has Stayed in India Since Leaving Bangladesh

After stepping down, Sheikh Hasina travelled to India, where she has remained since leaving Bangladesh.

Her continued presence in India has become a major issue in relations between New Delhi and Dhaka, with Bangladesh’s interim authorities raising concerns over her political statements made from Indian territory.

India has maintained that it has no involvement in events or programmes organised by private groups involving the former prime minister.

Sheikh Hasina Questions Bangladesh’s Political Direction

During her latest remarks, Hasina criticised developments in Bangladesh after her removal, claiming that democratic institutions and political freedoms have faced challenges.

She has rejected accusations against her government and called for investigations into the violence that occurred during the 2024 protests.

Hasina and her supporters have argued that her administration delivered economic growth, infrastructure development and stronger regional cooperation, while critics have accused her government of suppressing opposition voices and weakening democratic institutions.

Sajeeb Wazed Joy Raises ISI Influence Concerns

Alongside Hasina’s remarks, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy has raised concerns over Bangladesh’s changing political landscape.

Joy alleged that Bangladesh was moving towards becoming “another Pakistan” for India, claiming that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) had gained greater influence after his mother’s removal.

He alleged that forces opposed to India’s interests were becoming stronger in Bangladesh and warned that the developments could affect regional security.

The claims have triggered political debate, with supporters of Hasina accusing external forces of influencing the 2024 political upheaval. Critics of the former government have disputed these allegations and maintained that the protests were driven by public anger over domestic issues.

Hasina Signals She Wants to Return to Bangladesh

Despite remaining outside Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina has indicated that she intends to return to the country.

She has said that she and senior Awami League leaders are prepared to go back and face legal proceedings, arguing that her return would test Bangladesh’s justice system.

Her statements came after legal actions were initiated against several former officials linked to her government following the political transition.

The Awami League has continued to maintain that Hasina remains a central figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape.

Interim Government Under Muhammad Yunus Faces Challenges

After Hasina’s departure, an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took charge of Bangladesh.

The government was tasked with restoring stability, addressing political tensions and preparing the country for its next political phase.

The transition has led to debates over elections, governance reforms, accountability and the future role of major political parties, including the Awami League.

Sheikh Hasina Appeals for Global Support for Democracy

In her latest public remarks, Hasina urged the international community to support what she described as Bangladesh’s struggle for democracy.

She said a stable Bangladesh was important not only for its citizens but also for peace and security across South Asia.

Hasina argued that political stability in Bangladesh has wider regional importance because of the country’s strategic location and close ties with neighbouring nations, particularly India.

Bangladesh’s Future Remains at the Centre of Regional Attention

Sheikh Hasina’s first major address after her ouster has reopened discussions over Bangladesh’s political future, the role of the Awami League and the direction of India-Bangladesh relations.

While her supporters continue to defend her legacy and demand political space for the Awami League, opponents argue that Bangladesh needs a new political path after years of Hasina’s rule.

With questions surrounding elections, governance and foreign policy still unresolved, Bangladesh remains a key focus in South Asian politics.