A week of contradictory messages from Sajeeb Wazed Joy

Sheikh Hasina resigned from her position as Prime Minister on August 5 amid mass protests and subsequently left the country, ending her 15-and-a-half-year rule.

Following the resignation of Hasina, her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, has issued a series of statements regarding her political future and the status of her resignation.

August 5: In a video message, Joy reiterated that neither Hasina nor her family would ever engage in politics again, stating that Bangladesh’s future is no longer a concern for his family.

On the same day, Joy also told BBC World in an interview that Hasina would not return to politics.

On August 7: In an interview with Deutsche Welle, Joy said that Hasina had decided to resign the day before. Regarding a return to politics, Joy said: "Three times we have been targeted. We lost everything three times and had to stay abroad. Except for my mother and me, our family has lived abroad for many years. We have settled here. We face no difficulties living here. We are used to it."

However, on the same day, Joy posted a video message on his verified Facebook page, creating confusion about his actual intentions.

He said: "It is not possible to end the Awami League," urging the party's leaders and activists to stand firm.

He added "we are here," and emphasized that "the Awami League is the oldest and largest democratic party in the country. The Awami League is not dead. The Awami League made this country independent. It is not possible to end the Awami League."

On August 8: In an interview with the Indian news agency PTI, Joy shifted his position, initially stating that Hasina would not return to the country, but later saying that she would return to Bangladesh.

Joy added that it has not yet been decided whether Sheikh Hasina will return as a retired or active politician.

He explained his change of stance by saying: "A lot has changed after the recent attacks on our party leaders and workers. Now, we will do whatever is necessary for the safety of our people. We will not leave them alone."

In another interview with the BBC on the same day, Joy remarked: "No one could have imagined that the quota movement would lead to the government's downfall."

On August 9: During an interview with Indian media, Joy stated that his mother had taken the reins of the Awami League and was in contact with many leaders.

On the same day, he told the Times of India: "Sheikh Hasina is staying in India. She will return to Bangladesh if the interim government decides to hold elections."

Joy also mentioned that he is ready to enter politics if the activists want him to.

On August 10: Joy told Reuters: "My mother has not officially resigned from the post of prime minister yet. She was not given that time."

Joy further explained that although the president dissolved Parliament after consulting with the Army Chief and other political parties, the formation of the interim government could be "challenged in court" if the prime minister does not formally resign.

He added, "The Awami League will contest the next election as a party. However, the election must be held within three months.”

"You can't establish democracy in Bangladesh without the Awami League. At least half the country's population will never accept that," Joy asserted.

On August 11: Joy, in an interview with AFP, thanked New Delhi for saving his mother's life, accused the caretaker authorities of allowing mob rule, and warned of chaos ahead if swift elections are not held.

"It's going to be between the BNP and the Awami League," Joy said. "We need to work together."

"My mother never wanted to leave her country — her dream is to retire there," he said, adding that he speaks to her every day.

"This was going to be her last term. She's 76 years old, and she just wants to go back home. Whether she'll be able to, we're waiting to see."