Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina virtually addressed a Washington, D.C. press conference on October 19, 2026, hosted by the Center for US–Bangladesh Relations.
She vowed to return to Bangladesh in December 2026 despite facing potential arrest, torture, or a death sentence, and urged the US to champion democracy and inclusive processes.
Key Statements and Core Themes
- Vow to Return to Bangladesh: Hasina stated that she plans to return home in December 2026, asserting, “I will go back to Bangladesh in December. I am not afraid. I know they can kill me, arrest me and torture me… It’s my responsibility to go”.
- Call to the United States: She asked Washington to support universal democratic principles rather than specific political figures, stating, “I do not ask the US to choose Sheikh Hasina or the Awami League. I ask the US to choose democracy”.
- Reconciliation over Retribution: Hasina argued that political adversaries and Awami League supporters cannot be erased from the nation, emphasizing that “the future of Bangladesh must be built not on retribution, but on reconciliation”.
- Critique of Current Government: She criticized the administration of Tarique Rahman and accused the current climate of suppressing human rights, independent courts, and political opposition.
Click here to read the full speech of Sheikh Hasina.