Bangladesh’s Hasina’s Son Seeks Role for Her Party in Reforms and Elections, According to Reuters

By Krishna N. Das

NEW DELHI – The son of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed his satisfaction with the army chief’s announced timeline for elections within the next 18 months, despite it being later than anticipated. He cautioned, however, that genuine reforms and elections cannot occur without the participation of his mother’s political party.

General Waker-uz-Zaman, who lost support for Hasina amid deadly student protests that led to her seeking refuge in India last August, has indicated that democracy should be restored within one to one-and-a-half years.

"I’m pleased to see that we at least have an expected timeline now," said Sajeeb Wazed, Hasina’s son and advisor. "However, we have witnessed this scenario before where an unconstitutional, unelected government pledges reforms, only for the situation to worsen."

He referred to the history of coups in Bangladesh since its independence in 1971, with the most recent occurring in 2007 when the military supported a caretaker government that lasted until Hasina assumed power two years later, leading a government for 15 years.

With the police in disarray following Hasina’s departure, the military has taken a significant role in maintaining order. Zaman noted that he meets weekly with the head of the interim government to support stability efforts.

Both major political factions, Hasina’s Awami League and the opposing Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), have urged for elections to occur within three months of the interim government’s establishment in August.

The unelected interim government, which is led by Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, has committed to implementing reforms in the judiciary, police, and financial institutions prior to the elections, but has not yet specified a date for the vote.

On Wednesday, Yunus’ office announced intentions to engage in talks with political parties after receiving input from six reform panels it has established.

"Once consensus on the reforms is achieved and the voter registry is complete, a date for the elections will be announced," the statement read.

The BNP has expressed a desire for the elections to be conducted as soon as possible.

Wazed, residing in Washington, noted that there has been no outreach for discussions from either his party or the interim government regarding the future of the nation of 170 million.

"It is impossible to achieve legitimate reforms and elections while excluding the oldest and largest political party," he added.

Since fleeing to the Delhi area, Hasina has remained in hiding, while numerous other senior Awami League leaders have either been detained due to alleged involvement in the unrest, which has claimed over 1,000 lives, or have sought refuge.

Wazed mentioned that many Awami League activists have been killed since his mother’s ousting.

Representatives from the interim government have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding his statements.

The head of one election reform panel, Badiul Alam Majumder, stated that recommendations would be made within three months following their review.

"The decision regarding discussions with the Awami League or the timing of the elections lies with the government," he added.

Last month, Wazed indicated that Hasina was prepared to face trial in Bangladesh, as demanded by the student-led movements, and expressed that the Awami League is eager to participate in the elections.

When asked about Hasina’s potential return to Bangladesh, he stated, "That will depend on her decision. For now, my priority is the safety of my party members, and I aim to raise international awareness about the atrocities committed by this interim government."