Bangladesh's Hasina did not resign before fleeing, son says

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reviews an honour guard at the Government House, during her visit to Thailand, in Bangkok, Thailand, April 26, 2024.

L ong-time Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina has reportedly fled to India this week as anti-government protesters marched on her official residence. According to her son and adviser, Sajeeb Wazed, she had not resigned as prime minister before seeking shelter in New Delhi.

Hasina has been in New Delhi since Monday following an uprising that claimed the lives of around 300 people, many of whom were students. This uprising marks the end of her uninterrupted 15-year rule in Bangladesh, a nation of 170 million people.

In an interview with Reuters, Wazed, speaking from Washington, stated, "My mother never officially resigned. She didn't have the time." He explained that she had planned to make a statement and submit her resignation, but the situation escalated quickly as protesters began marching on the prime minister's residence. "There was no time. My mother wasn't even packed. As far as the constitution is concerned, she is still the prime minister of Bangladesh."

Wazed further noted that while the president had dissolved parliament after consulting with military chiefs and opposition politicians, the formation of a caretaker government without Hasina's formal resignation could be "challenged in court."

Despite the turmoil, Wazed confirmed that Hasina's Awami League party intends to contest the upcoming elections, which must be held within three months. "I'm confident the Awami League will come to power. If not, we will be the opposition. Either way is fine," he said.

He also expressed optimism about a recent statement from Khaleda Zia, leader of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a long-time rival of Hasina, calling for an end to political vengeance following Hasina's departure. Wazed emphasized the importance of working together, whether in a unity government or otherwise, to ensure peaceful, democratic elections in Bangladesh and to restore democracy in the country.