‘My absence is…’: Sheikh Hasina makes big statement, bad news to PM Tarique Rahman due to…, what exactly happened?

Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has said that her absence from the country “is not silence” and promised to return to continue the fight for democracy and the rights of the people. Speaking on the occasion of the 77th anniversary of the Awami League, Hasina accused the current political leadership of suppressing democratic values and targeting her party through political restrictions, arrests and legal cases. She said the Awami League remains deeply connected to the people and cannot be erased despite ongoing challenges.

‘My Absence Is Not Silence,’ Says Hasina

In her message, Hasina acknowledged the hardships faced by Awami League workers across Bangladesh. She said many party members have been jailed, forced to leave their homes or suffered injuries, while several families have lost loved ones during the political conflict.

She claimed that homes were vandalised, businesses were shut down and many supporters lost their jobs. Despite these challenges, Hasina said the Awami League continues to stand with the people.

“My absence is not silence,” she said, adding that she remains connected to every party worker through their sacrifices and struggles. She also said efforts to restore democracy are continuing through diplomatic, political and legal channels while seeking greater international support.

Why Did Sheikh Hasina Make This Statement?

Hasina made the remarks while marking the 77th anniversary of the Awami League, one of Bangladesh’s oldest political parties. She said that although she is currently living outside Bangladesh, she remains committed to restoring democracy, the rule of law and voting rights.

According to Hasina, the governments led by Muhammad Yunus and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have weakened democratic institutions by imposing political bans, filing false cases and carrying out arrests against Awami League leaders and supporters. She also claimed that her party was prevented from participating in elections because its rivals feared losing public support.

Hasina Promises to Return to Bangladesh

The former Prime Minister declared that she would return to Bangladesh to continue the struggle for democracy, constitutional rights and free elections. She urged Awami League leaders and workers to remain united and strengthen their connection with people at the grassroots level.

Hasina also asked party members to protect the rights of minorities, women, children, workers and economically weaker sections. She said the Awami League believes in human rights, security and dignity rather than politics based on revenge.

Hasina said Bangladesh now faces a choice between democracy and what she described as political repression and violence. She expressed confidence that the people would eventually restore democratic values and uphold the spirit of the country’s Liberation War.

Recalling her return to Bangladesh in 1981 after losing most of her family, Hasina said she had dedicated her political life to restoring democracy and voting rights. She concluded by saying she would return with the support of the people and continue working toward what she described as a democratic and inclusive Bangladesh.