No Time for Resignation
Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s long-serving Prime Minister, fled the country amidst a storm of protests without officially resigning. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, revealed that the situation escalated so rapidly that his mother had no time to submit her resignation before being forced to leave. The anti-government protests that had engulfed the nation left her with no other option but to escape immediately.
Protests Escalate to Unrest
The protests began as a student-led movement against the quota system in government jobs. However, they quickly transformed into widespread unrest demanding Hasina’s resignation. The government’s harsh response, including branding protesters as “terrorists,” only intensified the situation. The protests grew more violent, and the demand for Hasina’s resignation became unavoidable.
Flight to Safety
As the protests approached the Prime Minister’s residence in Dhaka, the situation became critical. On August 5, Hasina boarded a military aircraft and fled to India. According to her son, she was not even packed and had planned to make a resignation statement, but time ran out. Her abrupt departure left the nation in chaos, and a caretaker government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took control.
Awami League’s Future
Sajeeb Wazed Joy expressed confidence that the Awami League, Hasina’s party, would contest and win the next election, which is constitutionally required to be held within three months. He also hinted at possible cooperation with the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), to ensure a democratic process in the upcoming elections. Despite the uncertainty, Wazed believes the Awami League will continue to play a significant role in Bangladesh’s future.
Wazed’s Political Ambitions
When asked about his own potential as a prime ministerial candidate, Wazed did not dismiss the possibility. Although his mother planned to retire after this term, he indicated that he might consider leading if the party wished. However, he stressed that his mother had done nothing wrong and should not be held responsible for the illegal actions of others in her government.
Hasina’s Return or Asylum?
Currently residing in India, Hasina has been granted temporary refuge but has not sought asylum in a third country. Her son insisted that she would return to Bangladesh soon, despite the looming threat of arrest. Wazed made it clear that the fear of arrest had never deterred his mother before, and it would not stop her now. For over 15 years, Hasina governed Bangladesh, and her sudden exit has left the country in a state of uncertainty.
The Road Ahead
As Bangladesh grapples with the aftermath of Sheikh Hasina’s departure, the nation faces a challenging path forward. The caretaker government must restore order, and the upcoming elections will determine the future leadership of the country. Whether Hasina will return or Wazed will rise to power, only time will tell. The people of Bangladesh are left waiting to see how this chapter in their history will unfold.