New Delhi, Dec. 22 -- Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday dismissed calls for her return to the country amid ongoing legal proceedings, saying the action against her was politically driven and insisting she would not go back under the present circumstances, even as Bangladesh witnessed fresh unrest last week, including the killing of a Hindu man.

"You cannot demand my return to face my political assassination," Hasina said, reiterating that she has challenged Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to take the matter to The Hague, expressing confidence that an independent court would acquit her. She said she would return only when Bangladesh has a legitimate government and an independent judiciary.

Elaborating on her position ...