Sheikh Hasina in leaked call: I’m close enough to return to Bangladesh quickly

Dhaka, September 13 — A recent leak of a 10-minute phone call allegedly involving former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has ignited controversy across social media and the political arena.

The online edition of Dhaka Tribune reports that the conversation, which has not yet been officially authenticated, has gone viral, offering insights into the challenges the Awami League leader faces while in exile and her connection with loyal party leaders abroad.

The conversation reportedly took place between Hasina and a man named Tanvir, a leader in the United States, believed to be from the Kamrangirchar area of Dhaka.

In the call, Tanvir briefs Hasina about the difficulties Awami League leaders are facing, with many being forced to stay outside their constituencies due to legal cases.

Hasina, in response, acknowledges the legal challenges, explaining that she herself is implicated in 113 cases and warns Tanvir about the potential legal troubles if he returns to Bangladesh.

Hasina said: “There are murder cases against everyone.”

The leaked conversation also sheds light on the political strategy of Hasina and her supporters abroad.

Tanvir mentions ongoing rallies in the US under the leadership of another Awami League leader, Emdad, aimed at rallying support for the party.

During the call, Tanvir expressed concerns about the dire state of the party and suggested that he might return to Bangladesh to help organize local leadership.

Hasina, however, advises him to stay put and provide support remotely, emphasizing the risks posed by the numerous cases filed against party members.

Hasina also touches on Bangladesh’s deteriorating economic conditions, claiming that the country is slipping back into poverty, and accuses the current regime of looting banks and shutting down essential services.

She comments on widespread allegations of corruption, particularly surrounding the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, remarking that there is little she can do if people remain foolish.

Hasina said: “It doesn’t matter. If people are foolish, there’s nothing I can do about it.”

One of the more peculiar moments in the call involves a rumour that Hasina had been transported by helicopter from Ghaziabad to Delhi.

Hasina appears baffled by the claim, dismissing it as absurd and asking for photographic proof, while maintaining that she remains close enough to return to Bangladesh if needed.

She replied: “They are saying some strange things. I am very close to the country. I am not far away; I am close enough to return quickly.”

The conversation also reveals an interesting discussion on US politics, with Tanvir speculating about Donald Trump’s potential return to office.

Hasina, however, expresses indifference, noting that it doesn’t matter who wins the US presidency as long as they maintain political connections that could benefit the Awami League in the future.

This phone call leak has prompted widespread speculation about Hasina’s influence, even while in exile, and the ongoing efforts of her supporters abroad.

Earlier reports had claimed that Sheikh Hasina, currently in exile, had been secretly moved from Ghaziabad to an undisclosed location in Delhi by helicopter, though this has yet to be confirmed.

Who is Tanvir

The news outlet Kalbela reveals that the full name of the person, Tanvir, who was speaking with Hasina, is Mohammad Tanvir Kaiser.

Tanvir, who is currently seeking political asylum in the United States, has claimed that he was “tortured” by the Awami League government in Bangladesh, Kalbela reported.

This claim is central to his application for asylum, which he filed on May 7, 2020, after entering the US on a tourist visa in 2019.

According to Kalbela, Tanvir arrived in the US through Los Angeles on June 4, 2019, and his Bangladeshi passport expired in January 2021.

Despite being widely mentioned in the leaked audio, Tanvir’s official position within the Awami League remains unclear, as does the nature of his direct communication with Sheikh Hasina.

The content of the leaked audio has prompted significant online discussions, with some social media users suggesting that the release of these conversations could be part of a larger, coordinated effort.

However, no concrete evidence has emerged to explain how these sensitive call recordings are being leaked.

This latest audio leak follows a series of similar incidents since Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh for India on August 5, after stepping down in response to a mass student movement.