Sheikh Hasina (PTI image)
Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeed Wazed said on Sunday that his mother is “upset, angry, outraged” as the country awaits a crucial court verdict that could sentence her to death. He warned that supporters of the Awami League will block next year’s national election if the party’s ban is not lifted. Hasina’s son also stressed that his mother was emotionally distressed by the situation“She’s upset, angry, outraged. And we are all determined to fight back by whatever means necessary,” Wazed said in an interview with Reuters. He added that the protests in Bangladesh could escalate into violence if the interim government continues to bar the Awami League from participating in political activities. The remarks came ahead of a televised court verdict due on Monday. Hasina faces charges of crimes against humanity over a deadly crackdown on student protesters in 2024.Hasina denies the charges and says the case is politically motivated.“We will not allow elections without the Awami League to go ahead,” Wazed said. He added that demonstrations inside Bangladesh were growing. “Our protests are going to get stronger and stronger, and we will do whatever it takes. Unless the international community does something, eventually there’s probably going to be violence in Bangladesh before these elections … there’s going to be confrontations.”Hasina, 78, fled Bangladesh in August 2024 after being ousted from power following weeks of unrest. She has since lived in exile in New Delhi. According to Wazed, India is offering full protection. “What can they do to my mother? My mother is safe in India. India is giving her full security,” he said.The International Crimes Tribunal–Bangladesh is expected to convict Hasina in absentia and prosecutors have demanded the death penalty. Wazed claimed the outcome was predetermined. “We know exactly what the verdict is going to be. They’re televising it. They’re going to convict her, and they’ll probably sentence her to death,” he said.The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, rejects accusations of political interference. A spokesperson said the trial process “functioned transparently, allowing observers and publishing regular documentation” and described any calls for unrest as “deeply irresponsible and reprehensible”. The spokesperson added there were “no plans to lift the ban on the Awami League,” news agency Reuters reported. Political tensions are already high in Dhaka, where crude bomb explosions and arson attacks have been reported on Sunday. Security forces have tightened controls and warned of strict action to prevent violence. Shutdowns called by Awami League supporters have disrupted daily life in several regions.Bangladesh, home to more than 170 million people and a major garment exporter, saw its worst political violence since independence during last year’s protests. A United Nations report estimated up to 1,400 people were killed and thousands injured between July 15 and August 5.Hasina has previously called the charges a “politically motivated charade” and insists she is being targeted for her long rule. She secured a fourth straight term in 2024, in an election boycotted by the main opposition after many of its leaders were jailed or fled abroad.As the country waits for the verdict to be broadcast, authorities remain on high alert across Bangladesh.
