Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh, did not formally resign before leaving the country amid escalating anti-government protests, according to her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy. In an interview with Reuters, Wazed revealed that his mother was unable to submit her resignation due to the urgency of the situation. “My mother never officially resigned. She didn’t get the time,” Wazed stated. He further explained that while Sheikh Hasina had planned to make a statement and resign, the situation deteriorated rapidly with protesters marching on the prime minister’s residence, leaving her no time to complete the formalities.
The unrest in Bangladesh began with violent protests over a controversial quota system for government jobs. The demonstrations quickly escalated into violent clashes between protesters and security forces, resulting in numerous casualties. The military imposed a curfew and mobile internet services were suspended in an attempt to control the situation. Initially led by students, the protests called for the abolition of the quota system and eventually demanded Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. The government’s response, which included labeling protesters as “terrorists” and “arsonists,” only intensified the unrest.
As the situation became increasingly volatile on August 5, with protesters approaching her official residence in Dhaka, Sheikh Hasina fled the country aboard a military aircraft and sought refuge in India. In her absence, a caretaker government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has assumed control.
Wazed has suggested that the formation of the caretaker government without Sheikh Hasina’s formal resignation could be legally challenged. He expressed confidence that the Awami League, Sheikh Hasina’s party, would participate in the upcoming elections, which he expects to occur within three months. “I’m confident the Awami League will come to power. If not, we will be the opposition. Either way is fine,” Wazed said. He also indicated a willingness to collaborate with the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), to ensure free and fair elections and restore democratic processes in the country.
Regarding his own potential role in the future, Wazed acknowledged that if the Awami League sought his candidacy, he would consider it. He addressed concerns about his mother’s potential legal troubles, asserting, “The threat of arrest has never scared my mother before. My mother has done nothing wrong. Just because people in her government did illegal things, does not mean my mother ordered it.”
Sheikh Hasina, who has been a prominent figure in Bangladeshi politics for over 15 years, remains in India after being granted temporary refuge. Contrary to reports suggesting she is seeking asylum in a third country, Wazed denied these claims and assured that his mother plans to return to Bangladesh soon.
