Exclusive: Ahead of Hasina’s court verdict, son warns of violence if party ban remains – Sajeeb Wazed Joy in interview with Reuters

17 November 2025: Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has warned that the special tribunal trying his mother may deliver the harshest possible verdict. He cautioned that if the ban on the Awami League remains in place, supporters will launch intense protests that could block next year’s election.

Joy made the comments in an exclusive interview with Reuters in Washington, DC, on Sunday, just a day before the court was scheduled to announce a televised verdict related to allegations of crimes against humanity during the 2024 protest crackdown.

“We Already Know the Verdict” – Fear of Death Sentence

Joy claimed that the outcome was predetermined, saying:

“We know exactly what the verdict is going to be. They’re televising it. They’re going to convict her — and they’ll probably sentence her to death.”

He added:
“My mother is now in a safe location, receiving full protection.”

Sheikh Hasina, now 78, left the country during last year’s political turmoil, when student-led protests brought her 15-year rule to an abrupt end.

A United Nations report stated that up to 1,400 people were killed during the demonstrations, most of them shot by security forces using live ammunition. Hasina is now facing trial at the International Crimes Tribunal, though she denies all allegations and says the charges are politically motivated.

“No Election Without the Awami League” – Joy’s Position

Joy told Reuters that the Awami League — Bangladesh’s largest secular political force — must be allowed to participate in the election.

He declared:
“We will not allow elections without the Awami League. Our protests will get stronger and stronger, and we will do whatever it takes.”

He further warned that:
“Unless the international community intervenes, there will likely be violence in Bangladesh before the elections.”

Government Responds – “Irresponsible and Unacceptable Threats”

The interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus suspended the Awami League’s registration in May and banned its political activities, citing national security concerns and investigations into war crimes allegations against senior leaders.

A government spokesperson, responding to Joy’s comments, told Reuters:
“Any incitement to violence – especially by political figures living abroad – is deeply irresponsible and reprehensible.”

In an earlier interview with the Associated Press, Joy said:
“The ban must be lifted. Elections must be inclusive, free and fair. What is happening now is clearly an attempt to keep my mother and our party leaders from participating.”

Bomb Blasts and Arson Heighten Tension in Dhaka

Ahead of the verdict, violence has surged across Dhaka.
Multiple crude bomb explosions were reported on Sunday. On 12 November alone, 32 blasts rocked the capital. Dozens of buses were torched, and several Awami League activists were detained on suspicion of sabotage.

Schools Shift Online as Security Tightens

Schools in Dhaka and other major cities have moved to online classes.
More than 400 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel have been deployed, security checkpoints reinforced, and public gatherings restricted.

“Hasina Remains a Lightning Rod in Politics” – Analysts Say

South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman told Al Jazeera:
“Hasina remains a lightning rod in Bangladeshi politics. Even a virtual speech from abroad can spark unrest inside the country.”

He added:
“With her son now openly warning of efforts to block the election, it’s clear that violence may become a political tool in the coming months.”

Human Rights Concerns – 40 Extrajudicial Killings Documented

A recent report by the Bangladeshi rights group Odhikar documented at least 40 extrajudicial killings between August 2024 and September 2025, despite the interim government’s promises to end state violence.

Security forces previously accused of abuses – including the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) – remain active.

Dr Yunus has announced that national elections will be held in February 2026, alongside a nationwide referendum on constitutional reforms.