In a recent interview with The Times of India from Washington, D.C., Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of Sheikh Hasina, stated that his mother will return to Bangladesh if the interim government announces elections.
Joy expressed confidence that the Awami League will participate in the elections and potentially secure a victory, citing the party’s substantial support base in Bangladesh. He remarked, “I am confident that the Awami League will engage in the elections and we have a strong possibility of winning, given our significant support base in the country.”
Following Sheikh Hasina’s removal from office on August 5, she and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, fled to India, marking the end of the Awami League’s over 15-year tenure in power.
The Times of India reported that the Awami League is currently experiencing a leadership crisis, with ongoing attacks on its leaders and workers in various regions of Bangladesh. Many party members are in hiding due to security concerns. In response to this situation, Joy has expressed a willingness to take an active role in the party’s leadership.
Joy indicated, “I am prepared to enter politics. I will do everything necessary to support and protect the party and its members. Although I had previously stated that I had no intention of joining politics, the current circumstances have compelled me to reconsider.”
Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, an executive order was issued to release BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia from house arrest, and the BNP has announced that Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will soon return to Bangladesh. This development has prompted Joy to signal his readiness to become involved in politics.
Joy added, “If I am needed in politics, I will not hesitate to participate. My mother had planned to retire from politics after her term. I never had political ambitions and have been residing permanently in the United States. However, recent events have created a leadership vacuum in Bangladesh, and I feel the need to step forward for the party. I am now ready to take on that role.”
Joy also clarified that there are currently no plans for Sheikh Hasina to seek political asylum elsewhere. He stated, “She is currently in India. If the interim government announces elections, she will return to Bangladesh. I am grateful to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring my mother’s safety.”
Reflecting on the political situation, Joy expressed regret, saying, “There should always be room for self-criticism. Leading a country involves making many decisions, and mistakes are inevitable. The Awami League believes in self-criticism, and we are prepared for it. However, we were not given the opportunity to engage in self-criticism this time. Even though we accepted the students’ demands, we did not anticipate such a rapid escalation of the situation.”
