Ex-Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina will return for elections, says son
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who recently fled to India amid violent protests, will return to her native country once the new interim government announces elections, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, claimed. Hasina's departure followed weeks of unrest over a government job quota scheme that claimed nearly 300 lives and left thousands injured. The policy reserved 30% of government jobs for descendants of veterans who fought in the 1971 war of independence against Pakistan.
Hasina's current whereabouts and future plans
Presently, Hasina is staying in a safe house in New Delhi, India. There have been speculations in the Indian media about her seeking asylum in the United Kingdom, but the British Home Office has refrained from commenting on these reports. Joy, who resides in the United States, confirmed that his mother will return to Bangladesh as soon as the caretaker government schedules an election.
Awami League's absence in interim government
"I am sure the Awami League will take part in the election and we might even win," he stated. The Awami League, led by Hasina, currently has no representation in the caretaker government. When asked about his political aspirations, Joy stated that he will join if necessary. However, he did not elaborate on this potential political move or his mother's future plans beyond returning for the elections.
Muhammad Yunus took oath on Thursday
On Thursday, Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist Muhammad Yunus took oath as the head of Bangladesh's interim government. The ceremony took place at Dhaka's presidential palace and was attended by political leaders, civil society leaders, generals, and diplomats. More than a dozen members of his cabinet, who hold the titles of advisers rather than ministers, also took the oath as the caretaker government works to restore peace and prepare for new elections.
