Sheikh Hasina intends to return to Dhaka by yearend despite risks

New Delhi: Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday accused the country's erstwhile interim government of halting a judicial inquiry into the violence that engulfed the country during July-August 2024, alleging that the move was aimed at preventing the truth from emerging.

She reiterated her intention to return to Dhaka towards this year-end and claimed that her objective was not power but to help restore democracy and development. Speaking at a virtual press meet in New Delhi coinciding with two years of her ouster, Hasina emphasised that she is prepared to face detention or imprisonment.

The former PM recalled that she had expanded the probe into a three-member judicial commission on August 1, 2024, to ensure a "credible" investigation, but claimed the inquiry was stopped after the change in government.


Hasina maintained that the protests over the quota system in July 2024 were not a peaceful student movement but were transformed into an organised political campaign aimed at removing her government. She alleged that the agitation had been "meticulously designed" and was directed by unseen organisers rather than being a spontaneous protest.

Hasina appealed to the international community to support the restoration of democracy, justice and peace in the country. Hasina has been in exile in India since August 5, 2024. The press meet was organised by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia.