Sheikh Hasina resigned from the position of prime minister on August 5 in the face of overwhelming mass protests, and promptly left the country, ending her 15 years of rule. Her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy has been vocal ever since Hasina left Bangladesh.
On August 5, Joy declared that neither Sheikh Hasina nor her family would ever engage in politics again. However, in an interview with Reuters on August 10, Joy claimed that Hasina did not resign, and is still the prime minister of Bangladesh.
On the day of Hasina's resignation on August 5, Joy said in an interview with the British media BBC World that Sheikh Hasina, who resigned from the post of prime minister and left the country, would not return to politics.
In an interview given to Deutsche Welle on August 7, Joy said Sheikh Hasina had already decided to resign the day preceding August 5.
Discussing a return to politics, Joy said, “We have faced coups three times already. Lost everything and had to stay abroad three times. Except for me and my mother, we have been living abroad for many years. We are settled here, and face no difficulties what-so-ever.
On the same day, Joy posted a video message to party leaders and activists on his verified Facebook page, saying it is not possible to end the Awami League. Urging the leaders and activists to stand with courage, he announced, “We are here.”
He had added, “Awami League is the oldest and largest democratic party in the country. The Awami League is not dead. The Awami League made this country independent. It is not possible to end the Awami League.”
In an interview given to the Indian news agency PTI on August 8, Joy changed his tune.
“Sheikh Hasina will not return to the country,” despite saying so initially, Joy said on Thursday, “Sheikh Hasina will return to Bangladesh. But it has not yet been decided whether she will return as a retired or an active politician.”
Giving the reason for changing his tune, Joy said, “A lot has changed after the attacks on our party leaders and workers in the last few days. Now, we will do whatever is necessary for the safety of our people. We will not abandon them.”
In an interview given to BBC on the very same day, Joy had said, “No one could have imagined that the quota movement would lead to the government’s fall.”
On August 9, in another interview with the Indian media WION, Joy said, “My mother has taken the reins of Awami League, and is in contact with many leaders.”
The same day, Joy told the Times of India, "Sheikh Hasina is staying in India. She will return to Bangladesh if the interim government decides to hold an election.
Joy said he is ready to enter politics if the activists want him.
On Saturday [August 10], Joy told Reuters, “My mother [Sheikh Hasina] has not officially resigned from the post of prime minister as yet. She did not get adequate time.
“The president dissolved Parliament by speaking to the Army chief and other political parties. But if the prime minister had not formally resigned, the formation of an interim government can be challenged in court.”
The Awami League will contest the next election as a party. However, the polls must be held within three months, he added. Joy however did not say anything about what will happen if the election is not held within three months.
Joy praises Khaleda Zia
During the interview with Reuters on Saturday, Joy praised BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, saying that he finds hope in Khaleda's recent speech to the nation.
Voicing his appreciation with Khaleda Zia's call to forget all forms of enmity or revenge, Joy said, “Khaleda Zia had said in her speech that let bygones be bygones. I am happy with her statement. We will not linger in the past.
“We must not seek political revenge. We all have to work together, whether it is a consensus in government or not.”
