This is a summary of the October 19, 2026 event at the National Press Club in Washington, where Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina, joining virtually, announced her planned December return to Dhaka and called for free elections and reconciliation rather than revenge.
Sheikh Hasina asked the U.S. to support democratic principles and non-interference rather than back her or her party, said allegations against anyone, including herself, should go through fair legal proceedings, and pitched closer U.S. ties in trade, technology, and security.
Mr. Sajeeb Wazed stated that the Biden administration and USAID gave $50 million to support the 2024 protests and that the U.S. ambassador influenced military leaders, though the release offers no evidence for either claim, and who also conceded that the 2018 and 2024 elections were controversial.
The speakers praised the Hasina government’s record and warningsof mob rule under Yunus that could continue under Tarique Rahman.
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