Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina will return to her homeland when the newly installed caretaker government decides to hold elections, according to her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy. Hasina fled to India on Monday following weeks of violent protests that culminated in her resignation. A caretaker government led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in on Thursday, tasked with restoring order and overseeing new elections.
In an interview with the Times of India, Joy, who is based in the United States, said, “For the time being, she (Hasina) is in India. She will go back to Bangladesh the moment the interim government decides to hold an election.” He further elaborated that it remains undecided whether Hasina will return as a “retired or active” politician.
Earlier, Joy expressed concerns about the safety of Awami League leaders and party workers, who have been targets of continuous attacks across the country. He stressed that the party, Bangladesh’s oldest and largest, cannot abandon its supporters, hinting at a more active role for Hasina upon her return. “She will definitely return to Bangladesh once democracy is restored,” Joy affirmed.
Meanwhile, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has taken office as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government. Sworn in by President Mohammed Shahabuddin at a ceremony in Dhaka, Yunus now faces the critical tasks of restoring peace and preparing for new elections. The interim Cabinet, consisting primarily of civil society members, includes two leaders of the recent student protests that played a significant role in Hasina’s ouster. Notably, no representatives from Hasina’s party were present at the swearing-in ceremony.
(With inputs from agencies)