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'My family is done saving Bangladesh': After enduring three coups and transformative leadership, Sheikh Hasina's son declares his mother's permanent departure from politics amidst protests that left 95 dead, including 14 police officers
In a revealing statement that underscores a significant shift in his family's political engagement, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, declared that his mother has decided to permanently step back from the political arena. Speaking to a British public service broadcaster's Newshour program, Joy conveyed that the decision comes after a period of intense dissatisfaction and disappointment with the political upheaval she faced, despite her dedicated efforts to improve the nation. "She is deeply disappointed by the uprising against her leadership despite her efforts for the betterment of Bangladesh," Dhaka Tribune quoted Joy as stating.
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Joy, who until recently served as an adviser to his mother, further explained that Sheikh Hasina had been mulling over the idea of resignation since Sunday. He disclosed that she had left the country following significant familial pressure concerning her safety amidst the political turmoil. The sense of betrayal and the challenging circumstances culminated in her decision to not seek a return to power.
Throughout his interview, Joy ardently defended his mother's tenure, emphasizing the transformative impact she had on Bangladesh's socio-economic landscape. "She has turned Bangladesh around. When she took over power it was considered a failing state. It was a poor country. Until today it was considered one of the rising tigers of Asia," he remarked, suggesting that under her leadership, Bangladesh emerged from the shadows of underdevelopment to be recognized as a burgeoning economic force in Asia.
Addressing the harsh criticism faced by the government over its handling of recent protests, Joy was steadfast in justifying the state's response. He pointed to the severe confrontations law enforcement officials encountered, which escalated to fatal outcomes for some. "You’ve had policemen beaten to death – 13 just yesterday. So what do you expect the police to do when mobs are beating people to death?" Joy questioned, highlighting the grave challenges that prompted a stringent governmental reaction.
In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned from her position following a series of increasingly volatile protests across the nation. The protests initially sparked by student demands for the abolition of a quota system in government jobs soon escalated into widespread anti-government demonstrations.
— Sajeeb Wazed (@sajeebwazed) August 5, 2024 |
The situation reached a critical point last Sunday when violent clashes erupted in Dhaka, resulting in significant casualties. According to local reports from Prothom Alo, the conflict claimed the lives of at least 95 people, including at least 14 police officers, with hundreds more sustaining injuries.
In an emotional reflection on his family’s recurrent struggles with political instability in Bangladesh, Sajeeb Wazed Joy expressed a poignant sentiment about the toll it has taken on them. “My family has been through this three times, 3 coups, after this, we are done. We are tired of saving Bangladesh. Bangladesh can handle its own problem now. It’s all our problem,” Joy stated, signaling a weary resignation to the recurrent cycles of political upheaval that have marred the country's history.
Following her resignation, Sheikh Hasina departed for India, arriving in New Delhi on Monday evening. The ambiguity surrounding her next steps is palpable, with various media outlets in Bangladesh speculating about her possible continuation to London. The uncertainty of her plans adds another layer of intrigue and anxiety to the ongoing political narrative.
Simultaneously, the situation in Bangladesh garnered attention at the highest levels of the Indian government. A significant meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security was convened at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence at Lok Kalyan Marg. During this meeting, Prime Minister Modi received detailed briefings about the unfolding crisis, highlighting the regional implications of Bangladesh’s political instability and the potential for broader security concerns.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman were all present, along with senior officials, reflecting the importance and urgency of the situation.
Upon her arrival at the Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad, Sheikh Hasina engaged in crucial discussions with India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval. The talks focused on the current tumultuous political climate in Bangladesh and her prospective strategies moving forward, sources reported. The gravity of these discussions highlights the complex interplay of regional stability and the personal security concerns of a prominent political figure.
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In terms of security arrangements, the Indian Air Force and various security agencies have taken measures to ensure Sheikh Hasina's safety. She is currently being relocated to a secure undisclosed location, underscoring the sensitivity of her situation and the potential threats she faces following her departure from Bangladesh.
Adding to the complexity of the day’s events, S. Jaishankar provided a briefing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the evolving political landscape in Bangladesh. This briefing likely covered the implications of Hasina's resignation and the subsequent reactions within Bangladesh, which have ranged from celebratory actions by her opponents to chaotic scenes across the nation.
In Dhaka, the public reaction was mixed, with reports of celebrations and protests echoing through the streets as news of Sheikh Hasina’s departure spread. In a striking display of the unrest, after Hasina left the country, a crowd reportedly stormed the Ganabhaban—the official residence of the Prime Minister. According to Prothom Alo, individuals were observed removing various items from public buildings, a testament to the volatile atmosphere and the breakdown of order following the leadership vacuum.
According to local sources, a crowd infiltrated the Parliament building, where individuals were observed removing items, symbolizing the depth of the current political disorder.
Further intensifying the turmoil, the Awami League’s Dhaka district office became a target of the agitators. Prothom Alo reported that the office was deliberately set ablaze by protestors around 4 pm on Monday, marking a significant escalation in the demonstrations. The protestors did not stop there; they also set fire to Awami League president Sheikh Hasina’s office at 3/A Dhanmondi in Dhaka, where they were seen chanting slogans and celebrating the news of her resignation.
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The upheaval extended to Shahjalal International Airport, which had to suspend operations for six hours, disrupting travel and signaling the severity of the nationwide unrest. This closure is indicative of the broader security and safety concerns now prevalent across the country.
Amid these chaotic developments, Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman announced that he would engage in direct talks with representatives from the student and teacher communities, aiming to address their concerns and quell the unrest. In a televised statement, General Zaman declared the onset of a political transition, revealing plans for the establishment of an interim government. This move is seen as crucial in restoring order and paving the way for a more stable political environment.
In a swift response to the unfolding situation, Nahid Islam, a coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, stated that the framework for the interim national government would be laid out within the next 24 hours. This rapid development suggests a proactive approach to managing the crisis and reinstating governance.
In a call for peace, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Khaleda Zia urged citizens across all demographics to maintain calm in these turbulent times. This appeal was disseminated through a press release from Shamsuddin Didar, an official of the BNP chairperson’s press wing, reflecting the party's concern over the potential for further violence and its desire for a peaceful resolution to the nation's strife.
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