Ousted Leader’s Son Demands Inclusive Elections in Bangladesh Now

UPDATE: The son of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, is urgently calling for the interim government of Muhammad Yunus to lift a ban on Hasina’s Awami League party. Joy’s remarks, made in a recent interview with The Associated Press from Washington D.C., underscore the critical need for an inclusive election to stabilize Bangladesh.

Joy stated, “This ban has to be lifted, the elections have to be inclusive and free and fair.” He emphasized that without this, the upcoming election scheduled for February 2026, will be a “sham” and will perpetuate political instability in the nation of 170 million people.

The political landscape in Bangladesh remains fraught following Hasina’s ouster last year, which ended her 15-year rule and forced her into exile in India. Joy criticized the interim government’s actions, claiming they are a deliberate attempt to prevent political leaders from participating in elections. “What is happening now really is an attempt to keep my mother and our political leaders from running in elections. This is political manipulation disguised as justice,” he added.

Since Yunus assumed leadership, significant restrictions have been placed on the Awami League. In May, the government banned its activities and arrested numerous senior members. Joy highlighted the immediate need for the ban to be lifted to allow fair election preparations, warning that if not addressed, the election results will be dismissed by the public and international observers alike.

Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and the Committee to Protect Journalists, have voiced concerns over the government’s crackdown on the Awami League, labeling it a violation of freedom of association, assembly, and expression. In a letter to Yunus, they urged an end to the “broad ban” that has led to unlawful arrests and harassment of party supporters.

Joy, who has lived in the U.S. for the past 30 years, warned that the current situation could allow extremist groups to gain power. He accused Yunus of supporting Islamist factions and attempting to orchestrate a “rigged election.” The next election will also see fierce competition from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by Hasina’s primary rival, Khaleda Zia.

As political tensions escalate, Joy addressed the rising violence against political activists. He claimed that over 500 Awami League activists have been killed since the uprising and highlighted that 31 members have died in custody. “The human rights record of this regime is brutal,” he stated, pointing to the plight of religious minorities, especially Hindus, who are increasingly targeted in the current political climate.

Joy’s statements come amid allegations that Yunus’ government is guilty of politically motivated prosecutions, including a recent call for the death penalty against Hasina. She has described the trial process as a “kangaroo court,” further deepening the crisis of legitimacy within the interim regime.

As Bangladesh approaches its pivotal election date, the call for inclusive and fair democratic processes grows louder. Without significant changes, the country’s political future remains uncertain and fraught with potential unrest.

Stay tuned for further developments on this urgent situation in Bangladesh as the world watches closely.