Sheikh Hasina did not want to leave the country: Joy

Sheikh Hasina, who resigned as Bangladesh’s prime minister and left India on Monday after weeks of protests centering quota reform movement, had left Bangladesh for her safety following family pressure.

Her son and former Chief Advisor Sajeeb Wajed Joy said this in a telephonic interview with NDTV on Monday (August 5).

In the interview, Joy said, “She (Sheikh Hasina) wanted to stay; she did not want to leave the country at all. But we kept insisting that it was not safe for her. We were concerned for her physical safety first; so we persuaded her to leave.”

“I spoke with her this morning. As you can see, the situation in Bangladesh is in a chaotic situation. She’s in good spirits but deeply disappointed. It’s disheartening for her because she had a dream of transforming Bangladesh into a developed nation. Over the past 15 years, she worked tirelessly to protect it from militants and terrorism. Despite all her efforts, a vocal minority—including the opposition and militants—has now taken control,” he said.

“We hope that there will be elections in Bangladesh but at this time with our party leaders being targeted I don’t see how free and fair elections would be possible,” said Joy.

“In a way, it is no longer the family’s responsibility. We have shown what we can do. We have shown how much we can develop Bangladesh and if the people of Bangladesh aren’t willing to stand up and they are willing to let this violent minority seize power then people get the leadership they deserve,” said her son.

Her flight came less than seven months after she celebrated a fourth straight term in power - and fifth overall - by sweeping national elections in January.

Sheikh Hasina was flown in a military helicopter on Monday with her sister to take refuge in India.