Interview With IANS: Sheikh Hasina grateful to Modi, wary of Pakistan’s growing grip

Bangladesh’s longest-serving Prime Minister and Bangabandhu’s daughter, Sheikh Hasina, has expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India for granting her refuge, while issuing a sharp warning that the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government is dangerously accelerating ties with Pakistan at the cost of Bangladesh’s sovereignty and regional stability.

Speaking exclusively to IANS from her undisclosed location in India, Sheikh Hasina underlined the vital importance of India-Bangladesh relations.

“India is a vital neighbour and partner. I value Prime Minister Modi’s support and the longstanding ties between our countries. At a personal and diplomatic level, I am grateful for the refuge I have been afforded in a time of danger. Strong bilateral relations with India are in Bangladesh’s interest, and they can help ensure lasting regional stability,” Sheikh Hasina said.

When asked directly how Prime Minister Modi had helped her during the crisis that forced her to flee, Sheikh Hasina replied: “I do not wish to talk about private conversations and relationships; however, I will say that I remain grateful to the people of India for their continued support.”

In stark contrast, Sheikh Hasina cautioned against the rapid warming of relations with Pakistan under the Yunus administration. “It is in Bangladesh’s national interest to have a constructive relationship with Pakistan, but it must be measured and balanced. We cannot allow for this unelected government to speed ahead headlong and with total disregard into ever deeper ties with Pakistan. Bangladesh must guard its sovereignty and remember its integral role in the region to ensure continued stability,” Sheikh Hasina warned.

Elections Under Yunus Regime

Turning to the upcoming national elections, Sheikh Hasina was scathing about the banning of her Awami League, describing it as a death blow to any claim of free and fair polls.

“Free, fair and participatory elections are the foundations of legitimate government. If the interim authorities seek to manage outcomes rather than enable a level playing field, this would be an assault on our democracy. I call for independent international observers, clear electoral timetables and guarantees that all parties and candidates can campaign without intimidation,” Sheikh Hasina said.

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She added: “However, banning the Awami League makes all of those recommendations obsolete as millions of our supporters will likely stay at home. You cannot ban the most popular party in the country and present it as being free and fair.”

Asked whether her party would participate or boycott, Sheikh Hasina clarified: “As it stands, my party is banned from participating in next year’s elections. This is not a boycott; this is disenfranchisement of millions of voters. Should this still be the case when the elections are held, you will probably see our supporters simply stay at home rather than participate in a faulty election.”

Grace Toward Ailing Khaleda Zia

Despite decades of bitter rivalry, Sheikh Hasina struck a conciliatory note when asked about the critical health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

“I am gravely concerned to hear that Begum Khaleda Zia is ill and will pray that she can make a recovery,” Sheikh Hasina said, offering no further comment on their turbulent shared history.

US Role in Her Ouster

On persistent rumours that the United States orchestrated her removal, Sheikh Hasina adopted a measured tone.

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“The United States has publicly denied involvement, and so far, no definitive proof has been presented in the public domain that contradicts this. Accusations without evidence risk distracting from the real work of restoring stability, accountability and national unity,” Sheikh Hasina stated.

She also hinted at broader foreign interference without naming specific countries: “I do not wish to delve too far into speculation, but there are troubling signs of outside interference in our national affairs… Bangladesh must be free to resolve its problems through its own institutions and sovereign will, not through outside influence.”

Economic Crisis

Sheikh Hasina defended her 15-year economic legacy and blamed the current downturn squarely on post-ouster instability.

“Bangladesh’s long-term fundamentals remain strong, but short-term turmoil has clearly hit growth, investor confidence and reserves. Even my harshest critics would agree that we spearheaded an economic miracle in Bangladesh, one I am extremely proud of,” Sheikh Hasina said.

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“Restoring stability, rebuilding investor confidence, and moving quickly on credible fiscal and structural reforms must be the priority now to ensure all that progress isn’t washed away. The IMF and independent analysts have already flagged slowing growth and elevated inflation, which will inevitably hurt the most vulnerable in our country,” Sheikh Hasina added.

Sheikh Hasina also dismissed her recent death sentence by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal as a “judicial farce” orchestrated by “a small group of self-serving and unelected politicians” and condemned the in-absentia conviction of her niece, British MP Tulip Siddiq, as politically motivated persecution that damages Bangladesh’s international standing.