Ahead of Bangladesh verdict, Hasina’s son warns of violence: ‘My mother is safe in India’

Sajeeb Wazed, son and adviser of ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, warned on Sunday that Awami League supporters would block February’s national election if the ban on the party is not lifted, cautioning that escalating protests could turn violent.

His remarks come a day before a special tribunal delivers its verdict in a high-profile case against Hasina, who faces charges of crimes against humanity for a deadly crackdown on student-led protests in 2024. The verdict, expected to be fully televised, is widely anticipated to convict her. Hasina has rejected the charges as politically motivated.

Hasina has lived in exile in Delhi since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024. According to Wazed, India is providing her “full security” and treating her “like a head of state.”

“They’re televising it. They’re going to convict her, and they’ll probably sentence her to death,” said Wazed, who resides in Washington, DC. “What can they do to my mother? My mother is safe in India.”

A spokesperson for the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus dismissed accusations of political vendetta, saying the tribunal had operated transparently, with observers present and regular documentation released.

In an interview with Reuters in October, Hasina—who said she could move freely in Delhi—called the case a “politically motivated charade” and the verdict a “foregone conclusion.”

Wazed said they would not file an appeal unless a democratically elected government took office with Awami League’s participation. The party’s registration was suspended in May after the interim government banned its activities, citing national security concerns.

“We will not allow elections without the Awami League to go ahead,” Wazed said, adding that the party would do “whatever it takes.” Without international intervention, he warned, Bangladesh could see further unrest: “There’s going to be confrontations.”

The government has ruled out lifting the ban. “Any incitement to violence—especially by exiled political figures—is deeply irresponsible and reprehensible,” a spokesperson said. “There is currently no dialogue space for the Awami League as it refuses to show any remorse for crimes against humanity committed under its rule.”

Dhaka has been on edge ahead of the verdict, with several crude bomb blasts reported on Sunday and 32 explosions recorded on November 12, along with multiple arson attacks on buses.

Security agencies have tightened measures, deploying more than 400 Border Guards, reinforcing checkpoints and restricting public gatherings. The government is prioritising de-escalation and public safety, the spokesperson said.

“You’re seeing shutdowns across the country in the last few days, massive protests, and they’re only going to get bigger,” Wazed warned.