In a major political turn that could redefine the subcontinental landscape, Sajeeb Wazed Joy — son of ousted former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina — is set to visit India, marking his first in-person reunion with his mother since her dramatic removal from power and exile in August 2024.
Currently residing in the United States, Joy has already secured an Indian visa through the High Commission in Washington, paving the way for what Awami League insiders are calling a “crucial moment” for the embattled political dynasty.
Sources confirm that Joy is also likely to visit Kolkata, where a significant number of Awami League MPs, former bureaucrats, and supporters have taken refuge since fleeing Bangladesh amid sweeping crackdowns.
“More than 80 MPs, hundreds of party workers and at least 100 ex-bureaucrats — all aligned with Hasina’s administration — have sought sanctuary in Bengal,” revealed a senior Awami League leader now based in Kolkata, adding, “Most fear politically motivated arrests on fabricated charges by the interim regime.”
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Joy — once seen as a future political heir — applied for US citizenship after his Bangladeshi passport was revoked by the Mohammad Yunus-led interim government, which took power after a student-fueled uprising, reportedly backed by Islamic radical groups.
Unable to travel internationally on his green card issued by the US government, Joy formally acquired United States citizenship, taking the oath in Washington DC and receiving his certificate of citizenship last Saturday.
“Joy was legally immobilised without a valid passport,” said the exiled MP, adding, “Securing a U.S. passport was essential — not just for his personal safety, but to restore his freedom of movement amid mounting political persecution. Following his naturalisation, Joy received his US passport and subsequently applied for a visa to travel to India, which he was granted.”
The political temperature in Bangladesh hit a boiling point on May 10, when the interim government declared the Awami League — a party founded in 1949 and a cornerstone of Bangladesh's liberation — banned. The official statement cited concerns over national security and sovereignty, but critics call it a thinly veiled purge to eliminate the opposition.
Meanwhile, Hasina, now in India, faces mounting legal threats. Multiple charges, including those filed in Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), accuse her and top party officials of alleged misconduct. However, supporters insist the charges are baseless and politically motivated.
“Sheikh Hasina ran the most efficient and stable government Bangladesh has seen in decades,” said Joy shortly after her forced departure.
While Dhaka’s interim regime formally sought Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, New Delhi refused to oblige. Although the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) refrained from issuing an official statement, sources within the ministry clarified that the request held no legal weight, as it originated from an unelected, interim authority— rendering it inadmissible under the terms of the Indo-Bangladesh extradition treaty.
With Joy’s arrival imminent and Hasina still commanding loyalty from vast sections of the diaspora, the groundwork may be quietly forming for a political counter-offensive from exile. Joy’s visit will not only serve as a reunion with his mother— it may also be a strategic first step toward reclaiming a legacy under siege.
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