Awami League would block upcoming polls if ban on party not lifted: Joy

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son and adviser of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, has warned that Awami League supporters will block February's national election and protests could turn violent if the party's ban remains.

His remarks on Sunday came ahead of an expected guilty verdict for Hasina from Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal on Monday over deadly crackdowns on 2024 student protests. Hasina, living in exile in New Delhi, denies the charges and calls the case politically motivated.

"We know exactly what the verdict is going to be. They're televising it. They're going to convict her, and they'll probably sentence her to death," said Wazed from Washington. "What can they do to my mother? My mother is safe in India."

A government spokesperson rejected claims of political motivation, saying the court "functioned transparently." The interim government maintains there are no plans to lift the AL ban, citing the party's refusal to express remorse for alleged crimes.

Wazed stated: "We will not allow elections without the Awami League to go ahead. Our protests are going to get stronger, and we will do whatever it takes."

Security has been heightened in Dhaka following recent bomb blasts and bus torchings, with over 400 Border Guards deployed. The government spokesperson condemned "incitement to violence" as "deeply irresponsible."

Hasina, who transformed Bangladesh's economy but faced rights abuse allegations, won a fourth term in 2024 before being ousted. Wazed said they remain determined to "fight back by whatever means necessary."