Aayush Pathak
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent flight from Dhaka has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Bangladesh. In an interview on Wednesday, her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, revealed the emotional struggle their family faced in convincing her to leave the country amidst escalating protests.
Joy emphasized that his mother did not want to abandon Bangladesh, stating, “I was worried not because she was leaving Bangladesh, but because she didn’t want to leave Bangladesh. We had to convince her. I said this is not a political movement anymore, this is a mob … they are going to kill you.”
The Context of Sheikh Hasina’s Departure
Sheikh Hasina’s departure from Bangladesh occurred on Monday, August 5, 2024, as violent protests against her government intensified. The protests, initially sparked by grievances over a jobs quota system, escalated into broader calls for her resignation. Joy explained that the decision for Hasina to resign had been made a day earlier, but as thousands of protesters marched towards her residence, the urgency to flee became apparent.
“She had made the decision a day earlier. Only a few of us knew that she would announce she was resigning. But when they began marching towards Ganabhaban, we said out of fear, there was no more time. You have to leave now,” he recounted.
Hasina’s flight was facilitated by a military aircraft, landing at Hindon Airport near Delhi, where she was taken to a secure location. Joy dismissed rumors that his mother sought asylum in the United States or the United Kingdom, clarifying that she would remain in India for the time being. “Sheikh Hasina is well and now in Delhi. My sister is with her… She is well, but very upset,” he added.
The Aftermath of Protests and Political Unrest
The protests that led to Hasina’s departure resulted in significant violence, with reports indicating that over 400 people have died in clashes. Following her ouster, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus has been named the head of a military-backed interim government, signaling a dramatic shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape. As the situation continues to unfold, the Bangladesh Army has reshuffled its leadership, indicating a loss of support for Hasina’s administration.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the situation, stating that the Indian government is closely monitoring developments in Bangladesh and has provided Hasina with the necessary time to recover before discussing her future plans. Joy mentioned that his mother is currently in a state of shock, reflecting the emotional toll of her abrupt departure from power.
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