In a notable change of stance, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has stated that his mother will return to Bangladesh once democracy is restored. This announcement came amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding Hasina’s travel plans and political future.
Earlier, Joy had declared that Hasina would not be coming back to Bangladesh. However, recent events, including escalating attacks on party leaders and workers, have prompted a shift in his position.
“Yes, it is true that I had previously said she wouldn’t return. But the situation has evolved rapidly due to the violence against our supporters. We must ensure their safety, and we cannot abandon them,” reportedly stated Joy.
He asserted on the Awami League’s commitment to its supporters, stating, “The Awami League is the largest and oldest political party in Bangladesh, so we cannot just walk away from our people. She will definitely return to Bangladesh once democracy is restored.”
Hasina, who resigned amid a political crisis, left Bangladesh aboard a military aircraft and arrived at Hindon airbase near New Delhi on Monday. She has since been relocated to a secure location.
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, a prominent critic of Hasina, arrived in Dhaka on Thursday to lead an interim government and has called for calm amidst the ongoing violence. Joy expressed hope that Yunus would honour his promise to move forward without being hindered by past issues.
Regarding his own political future and that of his sister, Saima Wazed, Joy remained vague but affirmed his commitment to protecting the Awami League and Bangladesh. “I can’t provide a definite answer, but I will do whatever is necessary to safeguard Bangladesh and support the Awami League. The Mujib family will not abandon them,” he said.
Joy also accused Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, of instigating the unrest. “Given the circumstantial evidence, I suspect ISI’s involvement. The attacks and protests appear to be meticulously planned and coordinated, with efforts to exacerbate the situation through social media,” he claimed.
