Bangladesh unrest: Sheikh Hasina’s son accuses foreign intelligence of instigating protests

'I now firmly believe this was instigated by a small group and most likely by a foreign intelligence agency. I strongly suspect the ISI,' said Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy.

By: Express Web Desk

Updated: August 10, 2024 06:59 AM IST

3 min read

Wazed also criticized the current interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. (Wikimedia Commons photo)

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has claimed that recent protests in Bangladesh were likely stirred up by a foreign intelligence agency, specifically suspecting the involvement of Pakistan’s ISI. Speaking to ANI, he asserted that these protests were driven by external forces rather than domestic issues.

“I now firmly believe this was instigated by a small group and most likely by a foreign intelligence agency. I strongly suspect the ISI. There was no reason for the protests to continue because the quotas were not mandated by our government and were restored by a court ruling. Our government had lifted the quotas in 2018 or so when the first quota protests happened,” Wazed said.

He pointed out how his mother’s statement about Razakars was distorted, leading to the escalation of protests. “They took my mother’s statement where she said that we don’t want Razakars’ families getting jobs. They took that statement and twisted it, saying that my mother said the protesters were Razakars. My mother never said that. But this was spread online,” he explained.

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Wazed emphasized that the police did not receive orders to use force and that the government suspended officers who “used excessive force.” He questioned how the protesters obtained weapons, suggesting that the protests had turned into a violent movement aimed at toppling the government.

‘I want to do what I can to keep the minority safe’

Wazed also criticized the current interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, calling it unconstitutional. He stated that the Awami League had always protected the minorities, and warned that the current government is failing to do so. “I want to do what I can to keep the minority safe, restore law and order to Bangladesh, and bring back democracy,” Wazed added.

“In 12 hours, they’re already starting to make mistakes. They’ve already announced that elections are not a priority. The priority is to have trials of the previous government to reform the country. But no one gave them the mandate to reform the country,” said Wazed. “It’s one thing to take over power in a coup; it’s another thing to govern. They don’t have the people’s bandwidth. Who is going to listen to them?”, he added.

Bangladesh is currently experiencing political turmoil following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on August 5, amid escalating protests that began in July. The unrest started with demands to reform the civil service quota system but has since evolved into widespread violence.

(With inputs from ANI)

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