Sheikh Hasina didn’t ‘officially resign’ before leaving Bangladesh, says Joy

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son and adviser of Sheikh Hasina, has said that his mother did not officially resign as Prime Minister before fleeing Bangladesh amid escalating anti-government protests.

"My mother never officially resigned. She didn’t get the time," Joy told Reuters from Washington on August 10. 

He emphasized that "as far as the constitution goes, she is still the Prime Minister of Bangladesh."

Sheikh Hasina fled to India earlier this week as anti-government protesters marched on her official residence, marking a dramatic end to her 15-year uninterrupted rule.

Wazed revealed that the president had dissolved parliament after consulting with the army chief and opposition politicians. 

He suggested that the establishment of a caretaker government without a formal resignation from the Prime Minister could potentially be challenged in court.

"My mother is ready to face trial back home, as demanded by the students who led the uprising," Joy stated. 

He defended his mother, insisting that she was not responsible for any illegal actions taken by her government. "Just because people in her government did illegal things, did not mean my mother ordered it," he added.

Wazed did not specify who within the government was responsible for the violent crackdown on protesters, which resulted in the deaths of at least 300 people, many of whom were students. However, he shifted the blame onto police officers, asserting that his mother did not authorize the use of force.

"Those who are responsible should be brought to justice. My mother absolutely did not order anyone to commit violence against the protesters," Wazed said, adding that the Hasina government had suspended the police officers involved in the shootings.

Looking ahead, Wazed confirmed that the Awami League, Hasina’s party, would contest the next election. "I’m confident the Awami League will come to power. If not, we will be the opposition. Either way is fine," he remarked, demanding that the elections be held within three months.