Sheikh Hasina interview – When the numbers challenge a legacy, the leader fires back with defiance.
Sheikh Hasina Responds to Allegations: A Defiant Comeback
In an exclusive email interview on November 7, 2025, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared her unwavering intention to participate in the upcoming Bangladesh parliamentary elections, despite restrictions imposed by the interim government. Speaking to The New Indian Express, Hasina dismissed the staggering $234-billion corruption allegation against her as nothing more than a politically motivated smear campaign designed to tarnish her 15-year-long legacy.
“It’s laughable and baseless,” she said, arguing that the amount cited far exceeds Bangladesh’s total annual budget. “If such an amount were really stolen, our economy would have collapsed long ago. Instead, we built bridges, power plants, and ports that changed the nation.”
Hasina’s remarks come at a time when the country is witnessing one of the most intense political standoffs in decades. From being celebrated as the architect of Bangladesh’s economic transformation to being accused of running an authoritarian regime, Hasina’s journey embodies the contradictions of power, politics, and populism.
The Context: From Power to Exile
Sheikh Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for over 15 years under the Awami League banner, was ousted in August 2024 following massive student-led protests and a nationwide uprising. The demonstrations, driven by youth unemployment, alleged police brutality, and frustration with corruption, led to the collapse of her government. Subsequently, a new interim administration under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took control, promising reforms and fresh elections.
Since her removal, Hasina has been living in self-imposed exile, staying active in political discourse through digital media and select interviews. The Awami League’s ban from contesting elections has become a flashpoint for debate both domestically and internationally. Many political observers believe this move could delegitimize the 2026 elections unless reversed.
Hasina maintains that these actions are part of a larger agenda to erase her party’s contributions. “They want to rewrite history,” she told The New Indian Express. “But the people of Bangladesh know who brought them electricity, jobs, and dignity.”
The $234-Billion Allegation: Politics or Proof?
The $234-billion allegation remains the most sensational aspect of the ongoing anti-corruption campaign. Reports circulating in international media claim that billions were siphoned off through inflated contracts, offshore companies, and misuse of foreign loans during Hasina’s tenure. If true, the scandal would be among the largest financial frauds in world history.
However, Hasina has categorically denied the accusations, calling them a “mathematical impossibility.” She points to data from the World Bank, IMF, and Asian Development Bank, all of which recorded Bangladesh’s rapid GDP growth, infrastructure boom, and poverty reduction under her rule. “Those who cannot compete in elections are competing through propaganda,” she said defiantly.
During Hasina’s premiership, Bangladesh’s GDP per capita increased from $700 in 2009 to over $2,800 in 2023, and the country was recognized globally for its booming garment industry and rural development projects. Her supporters argue that this growth narrative contradicts the notion of massive embezzlement.
Political War Ahead of 2026 Elections
The upcoming Bangladesh general elections scheduled for February 2026 are expected to be a defining moment for the nation’s democracy. The interim government’s decision to exclude the Awami League has raised alarms among international observers. Human rights organizations and democratic watchdogs have voiced concerns that without Hasina’s participation, the elections could be viewed as one-sided.
Hasina’s statement that she will contest the elections, even if barred, is being interpreted as a political challenge to the interim administration’s legitimacy. Her supporters see it as a call to reclaim democracy, while her critics label it as another attempt to cling to power.
Analysts predict that Hasina’s renewed aggression could reshape the narrative leading up to the elections. It might rally her core supporters, especially in rural areas, where her social welfare programs had a significant impact.
Regional and Global Implications
Bangladesh’s political climate doesn’t exist in isolation. The country sits at the heart of South Asia’s economic and strategic landscape, balancing relations between India, China, and Western nations. India, which enjoyed close cooperation with Hasina’s administration on trade and counterterrorism, has adopted a cautious tone since her ouster. A pro-Yunus or opposition-led government could realign Bangladesh’s foreign policy in unpredictable ways.
China, on the other hand, remains invested in several infrastructure projects under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). A prolonged political crisis could threaten regional investments worth billions of dollars and disrupt supply chains across South Asia.
Global observers note that the 2026 elections could redefine regional diplomacy, especially if the Awami League remains excluded. The outcome may determine whether Bangladesh continues its trajectory as a developing economic powerhouse or slips into instability.
The Leadership Question: Sheikh Hasina
Despite admitting that her administration “bore moral responsibility” for the 2024 protest casualties, Hasina remains unapologetic about her leadership model. She describes her governance as a blend of strong control and developmental focus, arguing that it was necessary to maintain national discipline and economic progress.
Her critics, however, paint a starkly different picture. They accuse her of turning Bangladesh into a “one-party state,” silencing opposition voices, curbing press freedom, and allowing crony capitalism to flourish. The $234-billion allegation, they claim, is the inevitable outcome of years of unchecked authority.
But even her detractors acknowledge that Hasina’s role in transforming Bangladesh’s infrastructure, education, and healthcare sectors cannot be ignored. The Padma Bridge, metro rail systems, and nationwide electrification are tangible reminders of her developmental imprint.
The Vande Mataram Parallel and Legacy Politics
Interestingly, Hasina’s current struggle mirrors debates seen in neighboring India, such as the Vande Mataram controversy, where questions of legacy, ideology, and national identity dominate public discourse. Like those defending India’s cultural icons, Hasina too finds herself battling to preserve her narrative — one of nationalism, empowerment, and progress.
For her, the fight is not merely electoral; it’s existential. She aims to reclaim her image as Bangladesh’s longest-serving and most transformative leader, even as history seeks to question it.
Conclusion: Hasina Fights for Her Legacy
As Bangladesh braces for a decisive election, Sheikh Hasina’s interview signals that she remains very much a part of the country’s political equation. Far from retreating, she has chosen confrontation over silence. Her defiant tone suggests she is preparing for a comeback — both politically and symbolically.
Whether the $234-billion allegation evolves into a legal storm or fades as political rhetoric, one thing is certain: Sheikh Hasina’s voice continues to shape Bangladesh’s destiny. Her resilience, experience, and political instincts could once again tilt the balance of power in South Asia.
In the end, her statement captures the mood best — “You can remove me from office, but not from history.”
FOR MORE BLOGS – beyondthepunchlines.com
Author: Team BTP
Add to favorites
