Sheikh Hasina, who recently stepped down as Bangladesh's Prime Minister and fled the country, is set to return as soon as democracy is reestablished, according to her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy. In a conversation with media, Joy accused Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI, of stoking the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh. While he confirmed that the 76-year-old leader will return, he mentioned that it remains uncertain whether she will re-enter the political arena or retire.
Joy emphasized that the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman family, which includes Sheikh Hasina, would never abandon the people of Bangladesh or desert the Awami League, the country's oldest and most prominent political party.
He expressed deep gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his administration for safeguarding his mother. Joy also urged India to lead efforts in building global support to restore democracy in Bangladesh and to exert pressure on the international stage.
"Although I initially said my mother wouldn't return to Bangladesh, recent developments have forced us to reconsider. The situation has worsened with continuous attacks on our party leaders and workers. We will now do whatever it takes to protect our people; we cannot leave them to fend for themselves," Joy stated.
As Bangladesh prepares for an interim government, Joy called for the restoration of law and order, warning that the country is descending into chaos and could become another Afghanistan. He also expressed hope that the interim government would ensure fair conditions for all political parties when democracy is restored and new elections are held.
He insisted that it is impossible to have a truly representative democracy in Bangladesh without the Awami League's involvement. Joy referenced Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus, who is set to lead the interim government, saying he hopes Yunus stays true to his word about moving forward and not dwelling on past mistakes.
Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh amidst violent protests against her government, particularly over a contentious job quota system. On Monday, she flew to India via a Bangladesh military aircraft, seeking refuge at the Hindon airbase near Delhi.
Joy also mentioned that if democracy is restored, either the Awami League or the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will likely take power, with the "Mujib family and Sheikh Hasina still present."
"My mother has been in constant communication with our party leaders. She was considering retirement, but recent events made it clear that our enemies would not leave us alone. Instead, they intensified their attacks," Joy remarked.
When asked about his and his sister Saima Wazed’s potential involvement in politics, Joy was non-committal, stating only that he would do whatever is necessary to prevent Bangladesh from falling into complete chaos. Saima Wazed currently serves as the Southeast Asian Regional Director for the World Health Organization.
Joy accused Pakistan's ISI of involvement in the coordinated and well-planned attacks and protests, citing circumstantial evidence of foreign interference. He also noted that the rioters were armed with weapons likely provided by terrorist groups and foreign entities.
Regarding rumors of Sheikh Hasina seeking asylum in the UK or another country, Joy dismissed them as false. He also refuted claims that her US visa had been revoked, insisting that she plans to return to Bangladesh once democracy is restored.
Joy stressed the importance of India’s role in ensuring the swift restoration of democracy in Bangladesh, both for the stability of the region and for the security of Awami League leaders. He thanked the Indian government for their protection and urged them to pressure the international community to act quickly.
Addressing the ongoing 'INDIA-out' campaign in Bangladesh, Joy warned that anti-India forces are becoming more active and that Pakistan's ISI is likely providing them with weapons. He urged India to act before these forces gain further ground.
Joy also denied accusations that Sheikh Hasina fled to save herself, explaining that her departure was intended to prevent further bloodshed. He noted that the Prime Minister's security team was prepared to defend her, but she chose to leave to avoid a violent confrontation that could have resulted in the deaths of many protestors.
He concluded by highlighting the increasing death toll in the ongoing anti-government protests, which has reached 469, including 440 fatalities among Awami League members.
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