Ousted Leader’s Son Urges Inclusive Elections Amid Political Turmoil

UPDATE: Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has issued a stark warning regarding the future of Bangladesh, emphasizing the urgent need for inclusive elections to stabilize the nation. In a powerful interview with the Associated Press, Joy stated that the current interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, must lift the ban on Hasina’s Awami League party to avoid a “sham” election.

Joy’s comments come just days after the interim government announced plans for elections scheduled for February 2026. He asserted that without the participation of the Awami League, political unrest would continue to plague Bangladesh. “This ban has to be lifted, the elections have to be inclusive and free and fair,” Joy declared from Washington D.C.. He accused the interim government of political manipulation, aimed at keeping his mother and their political leaders from participating.

Since Hasina’s ousting last year, which ended her 15-year rule, Bangladesh has faced significant political upheaval. Following her departure to India, Yunus assumed leadership and imposed strict measures against the Awami League, including a ban on its activities and mass arrests of its senior officials. Joy highlighted that many former ministers and political activists have fled the country, further complicating the political landscape.

In recent developments, six prominent rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have urged Yunus to reconsider the ban, stating it excessively restricts freedom of association and has led to the arrest of peaceful Awami League supporters. Joy emphasized the dire consequences if the party is not given adequate time for election preparation, warning that the results would lack legitimacy both domestically and internationally.

Bangladesh’s political environment remains fragmented, with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, emerging as the primary contender in the upcoming election. Meanwhile, the Jamaat-e-Islami, the largest Islamist party, is seeking to capitalize on the current instability, potentially aligning with other hard-line groups.

Joy expressed concern that if the political situation does not stabilize, extremist factions could gain ground. He accused Yunus of supporting these groups and planning a “rigged election” that could further compromise democracy in Bangladesh.

The interim government has not responded to these allegations. However, Joy did acknowledge some past mistakes made by his mother’s administration, which has faced accusations of a violent crackdown on protests during her tenure. Nonetheless, he disputed a UN report claiming that up to 1,400 people were killed during the uprising, citing a health adviser under Yunus who reported around 800 deaths.

In a shocking turn, a prosecutor recently sought the death penalty for Hasina in a special tribunal, a move Joy described as a political witch-hunt against his family. He highlighted the ongoing violations of human rights under Yunus’ regime, alleging that tens of thousands of Awami League supporters have been imprisoned without bail, facing serious charges.

“The human rights record of this regime is brutal,” Joy stated, emphasizing the plight of religious minorities, particularly Hindus, who he claims are being targeted amid the political chaos. The interim government has denied these allegations.

As Bangladesh stands at a crossroads, the international community watches closely. The necessity for a fair and inclusive election has never been more pressing, as the nation grapples with a turbulent political future. What happens next will be pivotal for the millions of Bangladeshis hoping for stability and justice.