Sajib Wazed Joy, son of Sheikh Hasina, mentioned that he and his family would consider returning to Bangladesh and assuming leadership of the Awami League if the party's leaders and members express such a desire. In a special interview with Indian media outlet NDTV on Friday, Joy also revealed that his mother has a strong desire to return to Bangladesh and did not wish to leave the country.
In the interview, Joy highlighted that Sheikh Hasina had intended to retire during her last two terms as Prime Minister, though he did not entirely rule out the possibility of her reengaging in active politics. Joy stated, “She is currently in one place, and none of the claims about her visa or asylum application are accurate.”
Joy shared in his conversation with NDTV, “I spoke with her last night. She hasn't made any definitive future plans yet. She genuinely wants to return to Bangladesh, whether that means returning to politics or retiring. This is her home; it’s where she grew up. At 76, she views this term as her final one and dreams of spending her retirement in her village home in Tungipara. She does not wish to retire anywhere outside of Bangladesh.”
Joy asserted that his mother, Sheikh Hasina, engaged in politics for the country's benefit rather than personal power. He explained, “She intended to retire during her last two terms and had urged me to come back and join politics before every election. Our family has never been driven by ambitions for power.”
Although he did not initially act on his mother's suggestion, Joy responded to questions about leading the party by saying, “I feel I have already taken on that role. I never sought it and have no political ambitions, but seeing our party leaders under attack and their homes burned, I felt I couldn’t abandon them.”
He added, “I remain in contact with many party leaders, and nearly all the homes of our ministers have been destroyed, including our ancestral house. In these circumstances, I will do what is necessary. The Awami League has millions of supporters and cannot vanish overnight.”
Joy emphasized that the decision on party leadership will be made by the Awami League's members. He expressed confidence that the party will succeed in the elections due to the development work spearheaded by Sheikh Hasina.
Joy stated, “The Awami League is a democratic party, and its leaders and workers will determine who will lead. If the party members request that I return, I will consider it. Ultimately, whether Sheikh Hasina continues as leader or not will be decided by the party members. Our party’s leadership will be determined by those who are part of it.”
Sheikh Hasina, along with her sister Sheikh Rehana, left the country on Monday, August 5, seeking refuge in India after enduring over a month of protests, conflicts, and violence.
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