Top News

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi via audio link, Hasina said she was not concerned about her personal safety. She added that she would not back down even if she faced jail or death upon returning to the country. Her statement sparked a strong reaction from the Bangladesh government, who also expressed their displeasure to India.

Why does Haseena want to return in December only?

When Sheikh Hasina was asked when she wanted to return to Bangladesh, she cited December as a month of special significance to her, referring to the 1971 Liberation War. “December is the month of our victory, so I want to go back in December,” she said.

What is the Liberation War of 1971?

The 1971 Liberation War is historically known for the liberation of Bangladesh, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation on December 16, 1971. The war was fought between Bengali nationalists in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and the military government of West Pakistan. India formally joined the war on December 3, 1971, after the Pakistani Air Force attacked Indian air bases.

The Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini fought together as the “Mitra Bahini” (Mitra Bahini) against the Pakistani Army. Following this, on December 16, Pakistani Army Commander Lieutenant General A.A.K. Niazi surrendered to the Indian Army. December 16 is celebrated annually in India as Vijay Diwas.

What did Sheikh Hasina say about going to jail?

She said, “Whatever fate awaits me, I will return to my people. I cannot stay away from my beloved countrymen while they are suffering. I know I can be arrested. I can be sent to jail. They can try to enforce judgments in fabricated cases, but fear cannot change my duty to the people. My life has long ago transcended concerns about personal safety; I know they can put me in jail or even kill me.”

What did the Bangladesh government say?

Following Sheikh Hasina’s press conference, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry reacted sharply, saying that allowing her to address a public forum in India could impact relations between the two countries. “Bangladesh is deeply outraged that absconding genocide convict Sheikh Hasina was allowed to interact live with the media in New Delhi this evening, where she and her associates launched venomous attacks against the Bangladeshi state and its people,” the ministry said.

The Ministry of External Affairs further said, “Dhaka deeply regrets that the Government of India was allowed to hold this public event despite its concerns having already been expressed about the potential impact of this event on our bilateral relations.”

What demands did Sheikh Hasina make?

During her address, Sheikh Hasina made several demands for the restoration of normal democratic order in Bangladesh. She called for the ban on the Awami League to be lifted, political prisoners to be released, false cases to be dropped, freedom of expression and media protection to be ensured, and the independence of the judiciary to be guaranteed.