Sheikh Hasina's Son Brands BNP as 'America's Puppet', Raises Alarm Over Jamaat's Electoral Influence
In a virtual address from Kolkata, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and a prominent Awami League leader, has launched a scathing attack on the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), labeling it as a 'puppet of America'. Speaking at a discussion organized by the socio-cultural organization Khola Hawa, Joy expressed grave concerns about the upcoming elections in Bangladesh, warning that the Islamist outfit Jamaat-e-Islami could wield significant influence even without forming the government.
Allegations of Pre-Determined Electoral Outcome
Joy alleged that the electoral results have already been 'pre-determined' to ensure that no single party achieves a clear majority. This scenario, he claimed, would pave the way for coalition politics, potentially dominated by Jamaat-e-Islami. 'It is like a two-horse race between BNP and Jamaat,' Joy stated, emphasizing that the contest is heavily skewed. He further pointed out that the Jatiya Party, the third-largest political entity in Bangladesh, has faced severe restrictions, including the burning of its offices and an inability to conduct election programs, describing the process as a 'one-sided election'.
Security Concerns for India's Eastern Border
Highlighting the broader implications, Joy asserted that if the BNP emerges as the largest party, Jamaat-e-Islami would exert influence from outside the government. 'BNP will be a puppet of America. As a result, Jamaat will be able to do whatever it wants. Pakistan will get a free hand,' he warned. This situation, according to Joy, poses a significant threat to the security of India's eastern border, necessitating international condemnation of the electoral process. He urged global groups to act, stating, 'This is your last chance to do something. This is the last chance to stop the Jamaat from becoming the main force in Bangladesh politics.'
References to Past Agitations and UN Report
Reflecting on the student-led protests of July-August 2024, Joy acknowledged the fairness of the quota reform demands but claimed the movement was hijacked by militants and Islamist groups, leading to violence. He took responsibility for the unrest, noting that while many students and innocent people lost their lives, numerous policemen and Awami League workers were also killed. Citing a United Nations report, Joy mentioned that 1,400 people died during the agitation, with hundreds more killed between August 5-15, a period when, he claimed, the government was not in power.
Political Climate and Future Outlook
Joy described the current political environment in Bangladesh as restrictive, with not only the Awami League but other progressive parties under an 'undeclared ban'. He expressed concern that a fragmented verdict in the upcoming February 12 election could weaken the next government, potentially steering Bangladesh away from constitutional democracy toward deeper instability masked by electoral formalities. 'The February 12 election will determine whether Bangladesh moves towards constitutional democracy or deeper instability,' he concluded.
Author's Perspective on Bangladesh's Situation
During the discussion, Deep Halder, one of the authors of the book 'Inshallah Bangladesh – The story of an Unfinished Revolution', voiced apprehensions about the country's governance. 'Bangladesh is actually being run by the mob,' he remarked, sharing anecdotes of friends in Dhaka who feel compelled to leave the country. Halder posed a poignant question: 'Have we lost Bangladesh forever?' This sentiment underscores the heightened tensions and uncertainties surrounding the electoral process and its potential aftermath.
