Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has called on India to play a crucial role in ensuring that legitimate elections in Bangladesh are conducted within 90 days. He emphasized the importance of allowing the Awami League, his mother’s party, to campaign freely during this period. His recent appeal to India to facilitate elections in Bangladesh has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that his actions demonstrate a continued subservience to Indian influence, echoing concerns that Bangladesh is being treated more like a colony than an independent nation.
Joy acknowledged that the previous government made mistakes in its handling of student protests, particularly by not engaging directly with the protesters and leaving the issue to the judiciary. He suggested that foreign interference, specifically by a foreign intelligence agency, contributed to the violence that followed the protests, complicating the government’s response.
Joy clarified that Sheikh Hasina’s departure from Bangladesh was not an attempt to flee but rather a precautionary measure advised due to escalating tensions. He expressed his confidence that the Awami League would remain the popular choice in the upcoming elections if fair campaigning conditions are ensured.
He also expressed gratitude to India for providing refuge to Hasina during this critical time, noting that she did not seek asylum elsewhere. However, the future of Hasina’s status in India remains uncertain as she continues to closely monitor the political developments unfolding in Bangladesh.
