Sheikh Hasina, who has stepped down as Prime Minister of Bangladesh and fled the nation amid turmoil, may not return to politics, according to her son and former Chief Advisor, Sajeeb Wajed Joy. Speaking on BBC World Service’s Newshour, Joy attributed her decision to strong public discontent despite her efforts to transform the country.
“She has turned Bangladesh around. When she assumed power, it was considered a failing state. It was a poor country. Today, it is regarded as one of Asia’s rising tigers,” Joy said.
In the past month, violent protests in Bangladesh have resulted in over 300 deaths, initially sparked by a quota issue but soon escalating into demands for the Prime Minister’s resignation.
Critics have accused Sheikh Hasina of corruption, nepotism, high-handedness, and curtailing civil liberties—allegations that many believe overshadow the economic progress she achieved.
Joy dismissed claims of government heavy-handedness in dealing with protestors, citing instances of police brutality. “You have had policemen beaten to death—13 just yesterday. What do you expect the police to do when mobs are killing people?” he said. Sheikh Hasina had been contemplating her resignation since Sunday and left the country for safety reasons following her family’s insistence, he added.
Source: NDTV
