"My Mother Never Officially Resigned," Says Joy

Daily Bijoy News Correspondent:

Sheikh Hasina, the ousted prime minister, did not officially resign before fleeing the country amid intense protests, according to her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy. "My mother never officially resigned. She didn't get the time," Joy told Reuters.

Joy, who resides in the United States, explained, "She had planned to make a statement and submit her resignation. But then the protesters began marching on the prime minister's residence. There was no time. My mother wasn’t even packed. According to the constitution, she is still the Prime Minister of Bangladesh."

Hasina's departure followed weeks of violent protests sparked by a government job quota system, which escalated into deadly clashes between protesters and security forces. The military imposed a curfew and suspended mobile internet services in an effort to control the unrest.

The protests, initially led by students demanding the abolition of the quota system, eventually called for Hasina's resignation. The government's labeling of protesters as "terrorists" and "arsonists" further fueled the anger.

As the protesters neared her official residence in Dhaka on August 5, Sheikh Hasina fled to India on a military aircraft. Meanwhile, a caretaker government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has assumed control.

AWAMI LEAGUE TO MAKE COMEBACK?

Wazed suggested that the formation of a caretaker government without Hasina's formal resignation "can be challenged in court." He expressed confidence that the Awami League, Hasina's party, would contest the next election, which he said must be held within three months.

"I'm confident the Awami League will come to power. If not, we will be the opposition. Either way is fine," Wazed stated.

He also indicated a willingness to collaborate with the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), to ensure free and fair elections and restore democracy in the country.

Sourch: India Today