Goa, Aug. 4 -- Marking the first anniversary of her government's ouster, Bangladesh's former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has called on Awami League members to continue their struggle for justice, peace, and religious harmony.

In a statement issued from London, Hasina denied stepping down despite official claims and reaffirmed her faith in Bangladesh's people. "I believe in you. I believe in Bangladesh. And I believe that our best days are yet to come," she wrote in what she described as an "open letter to the honest, hard-working and patriotic people of Bangladesh," reflecting on what she called "the fall of democracy."

Hasina fled Dhaka on August 5 last year after widespread student-led protests toppled her administration. Since then,...