The fate of Sheikh Hasina hangs in the balance as Bangladesh teeters on the edge of chaos. With a death sentence potentially looming, her son insists she’s safe in India—but the country is already erupting in violence ahead of the verdict.
Tensions reached a boiling point in Dhaka and beyond on Sunday, as a wave of crude bombings and arson attacks swept through Bangladesh. These incidents, occurring just hours before the verdict in the crimes against humanity trial of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, have plunged the nation into uncertainty. Her son and adviser, Sajeeb Wazed, based in Washington, boldly declared that the court is likely to sentence her to death. Yet, he remains defiant, asserting that his mother is under India’s protection, treated ‘like a head of state.’
‘We know exactly what the verdict will be,’ Wazed told Reuters. ‘They’re televising it. They’ll convict her, and they’ll probably sentence her to death. But what can they do to my mother? She’s safe in India, with full security.’ But here’s where it gets controversial: Wazed warned of escalating protests if the Awami League, Hasina’s party, remains banned. ‘Unless the international community intervenes, there’s probably going to be violence in Bangladesh before these elections,’ he added, hinting at looming confrontations.
The government, however, stands firm. A spokesperson dismissed Wazed’s threats, labeling any incitement to violence—especially from exiled figures—as ‘deeply irresponsible.’ They emphasized that the Awami League’s refusal to acknowledge or apologize for crimes committed under its rule leaves no room for dialogue. And this is the part most people miss: While Wazed claims the tribunal is a ‘kangaroo court,’ the interim government insists it’s a legitimate accountability process, including under the International Crimes Tribunal.
The unrest is far from isolated. On November 12 alone, 32 explosions were reported, and dozens of buses were torched. Police have arrested Awami League activists on sabotage charges, further fueling tensions. Wazed admits to staying in touch with party activists but denies any communication with the interim government or the rival Bangladesh Nationalist Party, expected to lead the next government.
‘The shutdowns and protests you’re seeing now are just the beginning,’ Wazed warned. ‘They’re only going to get bigger.’
Hasina has been in exile in New Delhi since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024. She, along with former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, faces charges of crimes against humanity linked to the deaths of hundreds during a student-led uprising in July and August 2024. A UN report suggests up to 1,400 people may have been killed, while the interim government’s health adviser reported over 800 deaths and 14,000 injuries. Both are being tried in absentia.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, announced plans to hold elections in February, explicitly excluding Hasina’s party from participation. This decision has sparked fierce debate: Is it a fair move to ensure accountability, or a politically motivated attempt to sideline the opposition? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
As Bangladesh stands at this crossroads, one thing is clear: the nation’s future hangs in the balance, and the world is watching. What do you think? Is the interim government justified in its actions, or is this a step too far? Let us know below.
