Sajeeb Wazed Joy Alleges Foreign Interference Behind Bangladesh Protests, Points to ISI

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, suspects the recent protests were fueled by external forces, particularly the ISI. He criticized the distortion of his mother's statements and claimed the interim government lacks democratic legitimacy, emphasizing the need for swift restoration of democracy.

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of ex-Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, alleged that the recent unrest in Bangladesh was instigated by a foreign intelligence agency, suspecting the involvement of the ISI. In an interview with ANI, he emphasized that the protests were driven by external forces rather than domestic issues and criticized the distortion of his mother's statements to fuel the demonstrations.

'I now firmly believe this was driven by a small group, most likely a foreign intelligence agency, suspecting the ISI,' Joy stated. He pointed out that the protests continued despite quotas being restored by a court ruling, not mandated by the government, which previously lifted them in 2018. Joy accused protesters of misrepresenting Sheikh Hasina's statements about Razakars, leading to the escalation of hostilities.

'The protests began peacefully with police providing security. The misinterpretation of my mother's statement, where she said we don't want Razakars' families getting jobs, was spread online, inciting other students. Eventually, violence erupted, leading to misuse of live ammunition by police, who were later suspended,' he added. Joy questioned the presence of firearms among protesters and stressed that Sheikh Hasina chose to leave her residence to prevent potential bloodshed.

'This escalated to demands for government resignation, with protesters attacking police using firearms. This indicates organized militancy aiming to oust a democratically elected government,' Joy asserted. He criticized the current interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, as unconstitutional, emphasizing a need for a quick return to democracy. Joy further highlighted the Awami League's role in protecting minorities, questioning the new government's ability to ensure their safety.

The political turmoil intensified after Sheikh Hasina's resignation on August 5, following protests that began in early July. Students opposed a new policy allocating government jobs to freedom fighters' descendants, sparking violent clashes, including attacks on state TV and police booths in Dhaka.

(With inputs from agencies.)