Sheikh Hasina's Asylum Rumors Debunked by Son Amid Bangladesh Political Turmoil

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, dismissed rumors about her seeking asylum in the US or UK. Hasina resigned amidst protests and is currently in Delhi. Joy emphasized that Hasina's departure was for safety, not political reasons. The political situation in Bangladesh remains tense.

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, dismissed rumors on Wednesday regarding her plans for asylum in the United States or United Kingdom, as reported by The Daily Star. Joy clarified that Hasina will remain in Delhi for the time being.

Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday and relocated to India following violent student-led protests demanding the end of the government job quota system. In an interview with Deutsche Welle, Joy expressed his concern, stating he was worried not because his mother was leaving Bangladesh but because she did not want to leave, The Daily Star reported.

Addressing the interviewer’s question about Hasina seeking asylum, Joy said, "These are all rumors. She has not made a decision on that yet. She will stay in Delhi for a little while." He added, "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," Joy revealed.

Joy disclosed that the decision to resign was made a day earlier, even though it wasn’t announced immediately. "She made the decision a day earlier. Only a few of us knew about it. Her plan was to ensure a transition of power according to the Constitution. But as protesters marched towards Ganabhaban, we realized there was no more time. You have to leave now," Joy said.

When asked about his own political future, Joy told Dhaka Tribune that he currently has no plans to enter politics. "For the third time, our family has faced a coup. For the third time, we are living abroad. We have no difficulties in life here. We are accustomed to living here," he stated.

Joy confirmed there is no current decision for Hasina to move from India to another place. "Sheikh Hasina is well and now in Delhi. My sister is with her. She is well, but very upset," he added.

He further lamented that his mother is heartbroken over the sacrifices made by her father and their family for the country. "She is saddened that her father gave his life for the country and our family endured so much. The country she served and progressed for would insult and expel her this way—it was unimaginable," he said.

On Tuesday, Joy urged the police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and military to uphold the constitution and prevent any unelected government from taking power. He warned that failing to do so could jeopardize Bangladesh's 15 years of progress and lead the country towards a disastrous path similar to Pakistan's.

The political situation in Bangladesh remains unstable following Sheikh Hasina's resignation. Student-led protests have expanded into broader anti-government demonstrations. Sheikh Hasina reached India on Monday after her resignation, and it is uncertain whether she will remain in Delhi.

On Tuesday, Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin announced the dissolution of parliament to pave the way for an interim administration, as reported by Dhaka Tribune. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed as the head of Bangladesh's interim government, according to Dhaka Tribune.