In a touching message, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, extended his heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government. Joy expressed his deep appreciation for their swift action in protecting his mother during a turbulent time. “I am eternally grateful to Prime Minister Modi for his government’s quick response in saving my mother’s life,” Joy shared with ANI.
A New Chapter in Bangladesh
With Sheikh Hasina currently residing in New Delhi after fleeing Bangladesh due to protests against her leadership, Joy highlighted the stability her government had provided. The interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, is now in place, though Hasina’s future remains uncertain. Joy indicated that Hasina plans to return once new elections are announced.
Call for India’s Global Leadership
From Washington DC, Joy urged India to take a more prominent role on the global stage. He emphasized that India, as a major player in the region, should not let external forces influence its decisions. “India needs to lead and not let others dictate our neighborhood’s future,” Joy stated, reflecting his belief in India’s influential position.
Challenges for the New Interim Government
Joy expressed scepticism about the new interim government’s ability to govern effectively. He noted the difficulty of managing a country without significant political and governance experience. “It’s one thing to be appointed to a position, but governing is a different challenge altogether,” Joy remarked, expressing curiosity about how the new administration would perform.
Democracy and Constitutional Rights
Addressing the state of democracy in Bangladesh, Joy pointed out that the current interim government lacks legitimacy according to the country’s Constitution. He stressed that genuine democracy requires elections to be held within 90 days of parliament dissolution, as stipulated by Bangladeshi law.
Reaction from Bangladesh Nationalist Party
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has voiced concerns about Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India. Senior BNP leaders have suggested that Hasina’s flight to India could strain bilateral relations. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain from the BNP emphasized the need for a new chapter in Indo-Bangla relations, while Abdul Awal Mintoo expressed disappointment over Hasina’s departure but acknowledged India’s right to offer refuge.
Both nations are expected to engage in dialogue to address current challenges and strengthen their partnership. With Sheikh Hasina’s future uncertain and the new government yet to prove its capabilities, the coming months will be pivotal for the region’s stability and diplomatic relations.