Exclusive: Son warns of unrest in Bangladesh if party ban remains in place ahead of Hasina court ruling

The son and adviser of ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stated on Sunday that supporters of her Awami League would obstruct February’s national election if a ban on the party remained in place, cautioning that protests might intensify into violence.

Sajeeb Wazed’s comments to Reuters were made just one day prior to a Dhaka court’s anticipated televised verdict, which is likely to convict Hasina, 78, in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity related to a lethal crackdown on student-led protests in 2024. She asserts that she has done nothing wrong and claims the case is driven by political motives.

A United Nations report estimated that as many as 1,400 people were killed and thousands more wounded — primarily due to gunfire from security forces — during anti-government demonstrations that took place between July 15 and August 5 last year, marking the most severe political violence in Bangladesh since its independence war in 1971.

Bangladesh, with a population exceeding 170 million, stands as one of the largest garment exporters globally, providing products to prominent international brands. The industry faced significant challenges due to the protests that occurred last year.

‘IS LIKELY TO IMPOSE A DEATH SENTENCE ON HER’

Since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024, Hasina has resided in exile in New Delhi. Wazed stated that India was offering her complete security and treating her as if she were a head of state.

“We are certain of what the verdict will be.” It will be broadcasted on television. “They will convict her, and it’s likely they will sentence her to death,” stated Wazed, a resident of Washington, D.C. “What actions can they take against my mother?” My mother is secure in India. India is providing complete security.

A representative for the interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, which assumed control following Hasina’s uninterrupted 15 years in office, refuted claims that the trial was politically driven, asserting that the court “operated transparently, permitting observers and issuing regular documentation”.

In October, Hasina informed Reuters that she was able to move freely in Delhi, although she exercised caution due to security concerns. While she and her sister were abroad, her parents and three brothers lost their lives in a military coup in 1975.

She stated that a guilty verdict from the International Crimes Tribunal, Bangladesh’s domestic war crimes court, was a “foregone conclusion” as the “proceedings were a politically motivated charade”.

Wazed, commonly referred to as Joy in Bangladesh, stated that they would refrain from appealing unless a democratically elected government was established with the involvement of the Awami League.

The registration of the party was suspended in May following a ban on its political activities by the interim government, which cited threats to national security and ongoing war crime investigations involving senior leaders of the party.

“He stated, ‘We will not permit elections to proceed without the Awami League.'” 

Our protests will continue to intensify, and we are committed to taking all necessary actions. If the international community remains inactive, it is likely that violence will erupt in Bangladesh ahead of the elections, leading to confrontations.

The spokesperson for the government stated that there are currently no intentions to remove the ban on the Awami League.

“The interim government views any incitement to violence — particularly from exiled political figures — as profoundly irresponsible and unacceptable,” stated the spokesperson.

“Currently, there is no opportunity for dialogue with the Awami League, as it persists in its refusal to acknowledge any remorse for the crimes against humanity committed during its governance and to engage with the accountability process, including that of the International Crimes Tribunal.”

Several crude bombs detonated in Dhaka.

In Dhaka, political violence has escalated in the lead-up to the verdict, marked by multiple crude bomb explosions on Sunday and 32 blasts recorded on November 12, alongside numerous buses set ablaze. Authorities have apprehended Awami League members in connection with suspected acts of sabotage.

Authorities have enhanced security measures by deploying over 400 Border Guards, strengthening checkpoints, and limiting public gatherings.

“The government’s main focus is on de-escalation and safeguarding life and property,” stated the government spokesperson.

Wazed mentioned that he and Hasina were communicating with party activists in Bangladesh, but not with the interim government or the opposing Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which is anticipated to head the next government.

“In recent days, there have been shutdowns nationwide and significant protests occurring throughout the country, and they are only expected to grow larger,” he stated.

Hasina, recognized for her role in transforming Bangladesh’s economy yet facing accusations of rights abuses and suppressing dissent, achieved a fourth consecutive term in the 2024 election, which was boycotted by the main opposition after numerous leaders were jailed or fled abroad.

The situation has shifted dramatically. “She’s feeling upset, angry, and outraged,” Wazed stated. “We are all resolute in our commitment to resist using any means required.”