Bangladesh’s long serving prime minister, Sheikh Hasina has not officially resigned despite fleeing to India in response to mounting anti-government rallies. In her early Saturday statement, Sheikh Hasina’s son and adviser, Sajeeb Wazed, explained that she had not formally resigned before leaving for New Delhi earlier this week.
Sheikh Hasina’s resignation was triggered by a violent revolt in Bangladesh, which killed roughly 300 people, many of whom were students. This turmoil has ended her uninterrupted 15-year stint in the country. The prime minister wanted to resign but could not do so because of the rapidly deteriorating circumstances outside her official house, according to Wazed.
“My mother never officially resigned. She didn’t get the time,” Wazed stated from Washington. He emphasized that despite the president dissolving parliament and forming a caretaker government, the lack of a formal resignation could be contested in court.
Wazed expressed confidence that Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party would participate in the upcoming elections, which he believes must occur within the next three months. “I’m confident the Awami League will come to power. If not, we will be the opposition,” he remarked. He also welcomed the recent statement from Khaleda Zia, the leader of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, advocating for reconciliation and focusing on future unity rather than past grievances.
Wazed indicated that Sheikh Hasina’s party remains committed to democratic processes and fair elections. He also mentioned that he might consider a leadership role if the Awami League requests it, as Hasina planned to retire after this term.
Regarding the recent protests, Wazed defended Sheikh Hasina, asserting she did not order the violence. He stated that while some police officers used excessive force, the government had acted to address the situation by suspending those involved in the violence.
“We suspended the police officers that shot at students. We did everything we could,” Wazed said. He emphasized that Sheikh Hasina was ready to face any legal challenges and remained undeterred by the threats of arrest. Wazed also expressed his willingness to collaborate with other political factions to restore democratic stability in Bangladesh.
