“I Am Close to Returning Soon”: Sheikh Hasina in Leaked Call Amid Bangladesh Turmoil

GG News Bureau
Dhaka, 13th Sept. Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country after anti-quota protests, may soon return, according to a recently leaked 10-minute phone call that has sparked intense speculation. Hasina resigned from her position as Prime Minister on August 5 after weeks of protests. Following her resignation, she fled to India and is currently residing at an undisclosed location in New Delhi.

An interim government has since been established in Bangladesh, with Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus appointed as the chief advisor. The leaked call, reportedly between Sheikh Hasina and a man named Tanveer, who is said to be a leader of the Awami League in the United States, has added fuel to the speculation of her return. The authenticity of the call is yet to be officially confirmed.

According to a report by Dhaka Tribune, during the call, Tanveer discussed the challenges being faced by Awami League leaders in Bangladesh, with many of them staying away from their constituencies due to ongoing legal cases. Hasina acknowledged the difficulties and revealed that she herself is entangled in 113 cases. She also warned Tanveer of potential dangers should he return to Bangladesh, mentioning that “everyone is facing murder charges.”

The leaked conversation also touched upon the overseas support being rallied for Hasina and her party. Tanveer mentioned rallies led by another Awami League leader, Imdad, in the United States, aimed at garnering international support. He expressed concerns about the party’s deteriorating situation in Bangladesh, and although he suggested returning to help organize local leadership, Hasina advised him to continue supporting from abroad, citing the growing number of legal cases against party members.

During the call, Hasina also addressed her potential return to Bangladesh, stating, “I am very close to the country. I am not far away. I am very close to returning soon.” Additionally, she voiced concerns over the country’s worsening economic conditions, accusing the current regime of looting banks and shutting down essential services. She dismissed the corruption charges against her as baseless, stating, “It doesn’t matter. If people are foolish, there’s nothing I can do.”

Hasina’s possible return to Bangladesh remains a topic of speculation, with the political situation in the country hanging in the balance.