WASHINGTON: Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has indicated his willingness to join politics amid ongoing turmoil in Bangladesh.
Speaking from his residence in Washington DC, on Thursday, Joy remarked, “I will do whatever it takes to save the party and its workers. If there is a need for me to join politics, I will not refrain from that.”
Joy’s stance marks a shift from his earlier position, where he had expressed no interest in a political career. He emphasized the recent developments in Bangladesh, noting that the situation had compelled him to take a more active role.
“My mother would have retired from politics after the current term. I never had any political ambition and was settled in the US. However, the developments in Bangladesh in the past few days show that there is a leadership vacuum. I had to get active for the sake of the party and I am at the forefront now,” he said.
His comments come in the wake of the release of Khaleda Zia from house arrest and the anticipated return of her son, Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), to Dhaka.
On the same day, an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Md Yunus assumed charge in Bangladesh.
Joy expressed confidence in the Awami League’s electoral prospects, stating, “I am sure the Awami League will take part in the election and we might even win. We have the largest supporter base in Bangladesh.”
He also dismissed any speculation about his mother’s future, asserting, “For the time being, she is in India. She will go back to Bangladesh the moment the interim government decides to hold an election in the country.”
Meanwhile, Joy’s sister, Saima Wazed, reiterated her commitment to her role as the WHO regional director.
On Thursday, she posted on X, “Heartbroken with the loss of life in my country Bangladesh that I love. So heartbroken that I cannot see and hug my mother during this difficult time. I remain committed to my role as RD WHO.”
She later added, “To everyone who has shown concern: as much as I would love to see Ma, I don’t want to compromise her whereabouts in any way.”
Joy also underscored the need for introspection within the Awami League. ”
“There definitely were mistakes. When you run a country, a lot of decisions are made every day. Awami League believes in introspection and we were ready for that. But we did not get a chance to do that this time. We never realized the situation would escalate so fast even after accepting their demands,” he said.
He further warned that an alliance between the BNP and Jamaat would not ensure the safety of minorities or the security of India’s eastern border.
“If the Awami League is not in power, the eastern border of India will not be secure”.
“If there is an alliance of BNP and Jamaat, that may not be good for India as Jamaat will not refrain from militancy,” Joy cautioned, urging India to exert pressure on Bangladesh to expedite elections.
