Sajeeb Wazed Joy Warns Against Unelected Power in Bangladesh Amid Protests

Sajeeb Wazed Joy urges Bangladesh's security forces to uphold the constitution and prevent any unelected government from assuming power, warning that failure could undo 15 years of progress. He labeled ongoing protests as terrorism due to associated violence. The political situation remains tense following Sheikh Hasina's resignation.

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has implored the Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and military to uphold the constitution and prevent any unelected government from seizing power. He cautioned that failure to do so could undo 15 years of progress in Bangladesh and lead the country towards a disastrous path like Pakistan. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Joy asserted, 'To the Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and our military: I urge you to understand your responsibility--to keep our people safe, to keep our country safe, and to protect and uphold our constitution. This means that no unelected government should be allowed to hold power, even for one minute. This is your duty. If this happens, we risk ending up like Pakistan. All our 15 years of progress could be undone, and Bangladesh may never recover. I do not want that, and neither do you. As long as I am able, I will not allow it.'

Joy also criticized the ongoing protests, categorizing them as acts of terrorism due to the violence and loss of life involved. 'Power cannot be seized through violence and killing. This is not a protest; when police killings occur, innocent people are targeted, homes are set on fire and journalists are killed--it turns into terrorism. Terrorism can only be fought in one way. I request that our law enforcement agencies have shown great patience. However, this cannot be tolerated any longer,' he said.

The political situation in Bangladesh remains volatile following Sheikh Hasina's resignation amid escalating protests. Initially driven by students demanding an end to the quota system for government jobs, these demonstrations have broadened into larger anti-government protests. Recent clashes in Dhaka have resulted in at least 135 fatalities, including 14 police officers, with hundreds more injured, according to local media reports.

Following her resignation, Sheikh Hasina arrived in India on Monday evening. It remains unclear whether she will stay in Delhi or travel to another location, with some reports suggesting she might proceed to London. In response to the crisis, India's Cabinet Committee on Security convened on Monday at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. The meeting involved Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, along with senior officials. The discussion focused on the evolving situation in Bangladesh.

(With inputs from agencies.)