2024-08-10 01:55:14
Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh, did not formally resign before fleeing the country amid intense anti-government protests, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy has revealed.
“My mother never officially resigned. She didn’t get the time,” Wazed told news agency Reuters.
Wazed, who lives in the United States, further said, “She had planned to make a statement and submit her resignation. But then the protesters started marching on the prime minister’s residence. And there was no time. My mother wasn’t even packed. As far as the constitution goes, she is still the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.”
Hasina’s departure came after weeks of violent protests sparked by a quota system for government jobs, which escalated into clashes between protesters and security forces, resulting in hundreds of deaths. The military imposed a curfew, and mobile internet services were suspended to mitigate the unrest.
The protests, initially led by students, demanded the abolition of the quota system and eventually called for Hasina’s resignation. The government’s response, including labelling protesters as “terrorists” and “arsonists,” further inflamed the situation.
As protesting masses neared her official residence in Dhaka on August 5, Sheikh Hasina hopped on a military aircraft and fled to India, where she is seeking temporary refuge. Meanwhile, a caretaker government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has taken charge.
Wazed said that the formation of a caretaker government without Hasina’s formal resignation “can be challenged in court.” He also expressed confidence that the Awami League, Hasina’s party, would contest the next election, which he said must be held within three months.
“I’m confident the Awami League will come to power. If not, we will be the opposition. Either way is fine,” Wazed said.
He also indicated a willingness to work with the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), to ensure democratic elections and restore democracy in Bangladesh.
When asked about his own potential as a prime ministerial candidate, Wazed said, “My mother was going to retire after this term anyway. If the party wants me to, maybe. I will definitely consider it.”
Regarding the possibility of his mother facing trial back in Bangladesh, Wazed stated, “The threat of arrest has never scared my mother before. My mother has done nothing wrong. Just because people in her government did illegal things, did not mean my mother ordered it. That does not mean my mother is responsible for that.”
