Sheikh Hasina breaks down in audio message, describes narrow escape from death

Sheikh Hasina, the ousted former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has shared an emotional voice note recounting how she and her sister narrowly escaped death when they fled the country in August 2024.

The audio, released by her Awami League party, captures the 77-year-old leader’s trembling voice as she praises Allah for saving her and accuses her political rivals of attempting to have her killed.

Hasina, who is currently in New Delhi, fled Dhaka on August 5, 2024, minutes before a mob stormed her residence following her resignation.

In the audio message, she recalls the terrifying ordeal: "We escaped death by just 20-25 minutes," she says, reflecting on her close calls in the past, including the infamous 2004 grenade attack in which she survived but lost at least 24 lives, and the 2000 Kotalipara bomb plot aimed at her. She believes that her survival, both then and now, is the will of Allah.

The former leader, who is facing corruption charges in Bangladesh, lamented her exile, saying, "I am suffering, I am without my country, my home, everything has been burned." She emphasised that her survival, despite the numerous attempts on her life, suggests that Allah has a purpose for her, as she continues to believe in her mission.

The Bangladesh government has formally requested her extradition, though the Indian foreign ministry has not commented on the matter. Hasina’s departure followed violent student protests, and she left for India with her sister, Rehana, after her resignation. Minutes later, a mob looted and vandalised her home. The political climate during this period also saw clashes involving her supporters and attacks on Hindu minorities, straining relations between India and Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is now being governed by an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus and supported by th.e military, while Hasina remains in India.