Skip to content 
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has indicated he may enter politics as Bangladesh faces significant turmoil.
Read also: World Bank Study Urges Balochistan to Tap Renewable Energy Potential for Power Exports
Speaking from Washington DC on Thursday, Joy stated, “I will do whatever it takes to save the party and its workers. If there is a need for me to join politics, I will not refrain from that.”
This marks a shift from Joy’s previous stance of disinterest in a political career. He cited recent events in Bangladesh as the catalyst for his potential involvement.
“My mother would have retired from politics after the current term. I never had any political ambition and was settled in the US. However, the developments in Bangladesh in the past few days show that there is a leadership vacuum. I had to get active for the sake of the party and I am at the forefront now,” Joy explained.
His comments follow the release of Khaleda Zia from house arrest and the expected return of her son, Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), to Dhaka.
An interim government led by Nobel Laureate Md Yunus has taken charge in Bangladesh.
Joy expressed confidence in the Awami League’s electoral chances, saying, “I am sure the Awami League will take part in the election and we might even win. We have the largest supporter base in Bangladesh.”
Regarding his mother’s whereabouts, Joy stated, “For the time being, she is in India. She will go back to Bangladesh the moment the interim government decides to hold an election in the country.”
Joy’s sister, Saima Wazed, WHO regional director, posted on X: “Heartbroken with the loss of life in my country Bangladesh that I love. So heartbroken that I cannot see and hug my mother during this difficult time. I remain committed to my role as RD WHO.”
Joy acknowledged mistakes within the Awami League, saying, “There definitely were mistakes. When you run a country, a lot of decisions are made every day. Awami League believes in introspection and we were ready for that. But we did not get a chance to do this time. We never realized the situation would escalate so fast even after accepting their demands.”
He warned that a BNP-Jamaat alliance could threaten minority safety and India’s eastern border security, urging India to pressure Bangladesh for swift elections.
