New Delhi/Dhaka – In a bold and defiant move, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has vowed to continue her political struggle after being ousted from power. Speaking virtually at a party event, Hasina declared her intention to return to Bangladesh, claiming it was divine intervention that had kept her alive for this fight.
A Defiant Stand Against the New Regime
Hasina did not hold back in her speech, labeling the new government under Muhammad Yunus as a "government of terrorists" and pledging to avenge her supporters. Her aggressive stance suggests she has no intention of fading into political obscurity, raising questions about her ultimate goal and the broader implications for Bangladesh’s stability.
Currently residing in New Delhi under India’s protection, Hasina faces multiple criminal charges in Bangladesh, and the Dhaka government has formally requested her extradition. However, India appears unwilling to comply, prompting speculation about New Delhi’s stance—whether it actively supports Hasina’s political resurgence or is merely offering her refuge.
India’s Calculated Response
Bangladesh’s new leadership remains fixated on Hasina’s return, even at the cost of straining relations with India. While New Delhi has urged Dhaka to move forward, Bangladesh continues to press for her extradition. India’s reluctance to hand her over suggests it may be using her as a political counterweight against the current regime.
Tensions between the two nations are further fueled by Dhaka’s recent moves—opposing Indian border infrastructure projects, reconsidering existing treaties, and allegedly harboring Pakistani intelligence operatives. Despite diplomatic assurances, a deep trust deficit remains.
Bangladesh’s Shifting Political Landscape
Under Yunus, Bangladesh has witnessed radical political shifts. The government has reportedly erased Hasina’s legacy from school textbooks, removing references to her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and instead glorifying the so-called "August Revolution" that led to her downfall.
Radical elements now hold sway in Dhaka, with two major factions emerging:
- Jamaat-e-Islami, an Islamist group previously banned by Hasina, has been revived under Yunus’s leadership.
- Student protest groups, instrumental in Hasina’s ousting, are preparing to launch a new political party on February 24, positioning themselves as a centrist force ahead of elections expected in late 2025 or early 2026.
What’s Next for Hasina and Bangladesh?
While Hasina’s return to Bangladesh appears highly unlikely at the moment, her presence in India serves as a significant geopolitical factor. Her influence, combined with India’s strategic interests, ensures that the political turmoil in Bangladesh remains a regional concern.
Meanwhile, Yunus faces the challenge of consolidating his rule while managing fraught relations with India. Despite reassurances of improved ties, Bangladesh’s actions—ranging from diplomatic spats to intelligence alliances—contradict its official statements, keeping tensions high.
For now, Hasina remains an asset for India, but the balancing act between supporting an old ally and fostering new diplomatic relationships will shape South Asia’s political dynamics in the months to come.
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