Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said she plans to return to Bangladesh by December, stressing that her intention is to stand with the people rather than seek political power.
In a telephonic interview with Hindustan Times, Sheikh Hasina questioned the Bangladesh government’s decision to link her extradition with a possible visit to New Delhi by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Addressing criticism over her August 5 press conference from India, Sheikh Hasina said she spoke at an international forum and questioned how such an appearance could affect relations between Bangladesh and India.
Sheikh Hasina also referred to Tarique Rahman’s political activities during his stay in Britain. She said Rahman had given a written undertaking in 2007 that he would not engage in politics after leaving Bangladesh, but later became involved in political activities from London and participated in party and public programmes through videoconferencing.
Sheikh Hasina questioned whether she had ever asked the British government to prevent Tarique Rahman from conducting political activities while abroad.
The former prime minister also questioned Bangladesh’s reported $2.3 billion plan to purchase combat aircraft from China. Sheikh Hasina raised the issue amid what she described as ongoing electricity and gas shortages, fertiliser shortages and rising living costs.
Sheikh Hasina further said that a stable, democratic, secular and development-oriented Bangladesh is important not only for Bangladesh but also for India’s security.
Regarding her return, Sheikh Hasina said she intends to come back to Bangladesh by December and maintained that her objective is to stand beside the people, not to return for power.