NATIONAL: Hasina’s Son Thanks India, ‘PM Modi Saved My Mother’
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, opened up in recent interviews about a chilling assassination attempt during last year’s unrest.
He credits India’s swift intervention with saving her life as she fled to safety. This comes just days after a Dhaka tribunal handed down a death sentence against her in absentia.
Gratitude to New Delhi
Joy expressed deep thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his administration for providing asylum amid the chaos of August 2024.
“India has always been a good friend,” he said, noting that without their help, militants would have succeeded in their plot. Hasina, now 78, has resided in India since resigning amid student-led protests that toppled her government.
The escape unfolded on August 5, 2024, as violence escalated. Joy described how extremists targeted Awami League leaders, forcing a hasty exit.
He views India’s role as pivotal in averting tragedy during that turbulent period.
Challenging the Verdict
Joy dismissed the November 17, 2025, death sentence from Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal as a sham.
He labeled it unconstitutional, pointing to rushed proceedings under an unelected interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
The ruling stems from alleged crimes against humanity tied to the 2024 protest crackdown, which claimed hundreds of lives.
He insists true justice requires a restored rule of law, predicting the verdict’s reversal once elections return.
Extradition Tensions Rise
Bangladesh’s authorities plan to seek Interpol’s aid for a fresh Red Notice against Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who was also sentenced to death.
Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim confirmed preparations to update the request based on the conviction warrant.
This follows earlier bids in 2024 and April 2025, amid over 100 cases against Hasina.
Joy argues extradition demands proper legal channels, which he says the current setup ignores.
India has yet to respond formally, but experts note the 2013 extradition treaty’s exemptions for political offenses could complicate matters.
Warnings on Security Shifts
Joy raised alarms about Bangladesh turning into a hub for Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives under Yunus’s watch.
He accused the interim regime of enabling the Pakistan-based group’s expansion, posing risks to regional stability. Reports echo claims of LeT leaders boasting of involvement in Hasina’s ouster and recruiting radicals.
These assertions highlight deepening rifts between Dhaka and New Delhi. As Bangladesh eyes elections, the saga tests bilateral ties forged over decades of cooperation. Joy’s words urge vigilance, blending personal relief with broader geopolitical caution.