Awami League’s Dr Rabbi Alam Confirms Sheikh Hasina’s Return to Bangladesh

Awami League President Dr Rabbi Alam has confirmed that Sheikh Hasina will return to Bangladesh and resume her role as Prime Minister.

Speaking to a media agency, Dr Alam expressed gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for supporting Sheikh Hasina during this period of political instability. He assured that Hasina will undoubtedly return to lead the nation.

Dr Alam highlighted that the younger generation in Bangladesh has made mistakes, but he attributed this to manipulation rather than fault on their part.

He urged the youth to educate themselves about the country’s history, culture, values, and the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters.

Political Turmoil and Hasina’s Departure to India

Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, seeking safety in India after a student-led movement resulted in her ouster.

The protests and clashes led to the deaths of over 600 people. In the wake of this political turmoil, an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus was established.

Dr Alam expressed concern over the current state of Bangladesh, calling it an attack that requires the attention of the international community.

“Bangladesh is under attack, and it needs to be addressed by the international community. A political uprising is fine, but this is not what has been going on in Bangladesh. This is a terrorist uprising,” he stated.

Gratitude Towards Indian Government and Prime Minister Modi

Dr Alam extended his appreciation to the Indian government and Prime Minister Modi for providing a safe travel passage and shelter for Sheikh Hasina and other Bangladeshi leaders.

“Many of our leaders are sheltered here in India, and we are very thankful to the Indian government for providing the alignment,” Dr Alam said.

He emphasized that Sheikh Hasina remains determined to return to Bangladesh and help the families of those killed during the protests.

“I shall help each and every victim’s family and ensure their killers face the law in Bangladesh. I shall return. Perhaps that’s why Allah has kept me alive,” Hasina had declared earlier.

Sheikh Hasina’s Political Future

Dr Alam reiterated his confidence in Hasina’s return as Prime Minister. He also criticized Muhammad Yunus, the head of the interim government, stating that he should “go back where he came from.”

“We want to ask the Bangladesh Advisor to step down and go back to where he came from. You, Dr Yunus, do not belong in Bangladesh. This is the message for the people of Bangladesh that Sheikh Hasina is coming back as the Prime Minister,” Alam stated.

He reassured that the mistakes made by the younger generation would be addressed and corrected under Hasina’s leadership.

“The young generation has made a mistake, but that’s not their fault; they have been manipulated,” he added.

Legal Issues and Government Actions

In a significant legal development, a court in Dhaka recently ordered the seizure of Sheikh Hasina’s residence in Dhanmondi, known as ‘Sudhasadan,’ along with several other properties owned by her family members.

The properties seized include those owned by her son Sajib Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, sister Sheikh Rehana, and her nieces Tulip Siddique and Radwan Mujib Siddique.

Additionally, 124 bank accounts linked to Hasina’s family have been frozen following a directive from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain Ghalib issued the order in response to the ACC’s petition.

Bangladesh’s Diplomatic Protest

The Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a formal protest to the Indian government over Sheikh Hasina’s public statements.

The ministry claimed that Hasina’s comments, made through various media platforms, were inciting instability within Bangladesh.

Through a diplomatic note delivered to the Acting High Commissioner of India in Dhaka, the Bangladeshi government requested immediate action to prevent Hasina from making what they described as “false, fabricated and incendiary statements” while residing in India.

Arrest Warrants Against Hasina and Others

In January, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) issued arrest warrants against Sheikh Hasina and 10 others, including former Defence Adviser Major General (retired) Tarique Ahmed Siddique and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed.

The warrants are connected to two cases involving allegations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, head of the tribunal, issued the order following two petitions filed by the prosecution. These legal actions have further complicated the political situation in Bangladesh.

Outlook on Sheikh Hasina’s Return

Despite the legal and political challenges, Dr Alam remains confident that Sheikh Hasina will return to power.

He expressed hope that Hasina’s leadership would bring stability to Bangladesh and help rebuild the nation. “Sheikh Hasina is coming back as the Prime Minister. The young generation has made mistakes, but they were misled,” he reiterated.

Sheikh Hasina’s return to Bangladesh is expected to reshape the political landscape and potentially end the ongoing turmoil. Dr Alam’s remarks have reinforced confidence among her supporters, signaling that Hasina’s comeback is only a matter of time.