The political climate in Bangladesh intensified on Sunday after Sajeeb Wazed, son and adviser to the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, issued a stern warning that her party, the Awami League, would block the national election scheduled for February if the party’s current ban is not lifted. Wazed explicitly cautioned that the ongoing protests could escalate into violence.
This ultimatum comes just one day before a special tribunal is set to deliver its verdict against the deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina has been charged with crimes against humanity related to a deadly crackdown on student-led protests in 2024. She denies all wrongdoing and maintains the case is politically motivated.
Conviction and Exile
Wazed, who currently resides in Washington, D.C., expressed certainty regarding the outcome of the high-profile case, which is set to be fully televised.
“They’re televising it. They’re going to convict her, and they’ll probably sentence her to death,” Wazed stated.
Sheikh Hasina has been living in exile in Delhi, India, since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024. Wazed confirmed that India is providing her with full security and treating her “like a head of the state.”
“What can they do to my mother? My mother is safe in India. India is giving her full security,” he added. Hasina herself told Reuters in October that she could move freely in Delhi and dismissed the verdict as a “foregone conclusion” and a “politically motivated charade.”
The Threat of Political Blockade and Violence
The Awami League’s political activities were suspended in May after the interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, banned the party’s registration, citing national security threats.
Wazed was unequivocal in his threat: “We will not allow elections without the Awami League to go ahead,” emphasizing that the party would “do whatever it takes.” He further warned that without international intervention, Bangladesh would likely see violence before the elections, suggesting that “there’s going to be confrontations.” Wazed also indicated that the Awami League would not appeal the court’s decision unless a democratically elected government, with the party’s participation, took office.
Interim Government’s Response
A spokesperson for the interim government strongly denied that the trial against Sheikh Hasina is politically motivated, asserting that the court “functioned transparently, allowing observers and publishing regular documentation.” The government also confirmed it has no plans to lift the ban on the Awami League.
The spokesperson condemned Wazed’s comments, stating: “The interim government regards any incitement to violence—especially by exiled political figures—as deeply irresponsible and reprehensible.” The government also stressed that there is no room for dialogue with the Awami League as long as it “continues to refuse to express any remorse for crimes against humanity committed under its rule.”
Security Tensions Ahead of Verdict
Dhaka has been on edge in anticipation of the verdict. Security measures have been drastically tightened, with authorities deploying over 400 Border Guards, reinforcing checkpoints, and restricting public gatherings.
The city has already witnessed recent violence, including several crude bombs exploding on Sunday, 32 blasts reported on November 12, and multiple buses being torched. The government spokesperson confirmed that authorities are prioritizing de-escalation of tensions and the protection of life and property. Wazed, however, predicted that the “massive protests throughout the country… are only going to get bigger.”