Sheikh Hasina to Return for Elections, Says Son
- Muhammad Yunus, the new head of Bangladesh's interim government, announced Sheikh Hasina's intended return for upcoming elections.
- Her return raises questions about the political landscape in Bangladesh, given her long tenure as Prime Minister.
- This announcement could influence public sentiment and the country's political future.
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, announced that his mother is currently in India but will return to Bangladesh once the interim government sets a date for elections. Joy emphasized his commitment to the party, stating he is now actively involved in the political landscape. This comes as the interim government, led by newly appointed chief adviser Muhammad Yunus, seeks to stabilize the nation amidst ongoing unrest. Yunus, an 84-year-old economist known for his role in microlending, was sworn in at a ceremony attended by diplomats and civil society leaders. Upon his arrival in Dhaka, he expressed his intention to restore order, declaring, “Bangladesh is a family. We have to unite it.” His remarks reflect a broader goal of reconciliation following a period of intense political strife. The newly appointed Home Ministry adviser, Retired Brig Gen M Sakhawat Hossain, outlined the interim government's immediate focus on improving law and order, particularly in light of rising violence against minority Hindus and incidents of arson. He stressed the need to rebuild trust within communities affected by the unrest, which has seen police forces largely absent from their duties. The political crisis escalated after Prime Minister Hasina's resignation amid violent protests against government job reservations, resulting in over 560 deaths since July. The situation remains precarious, with citizens taking to the streets to maintain order in the absence of police presence, highlighting the urgent need for effective governance and security restoration.