‘Bangladesh Becoming Another Pakistan’: Sheikh Hasina’s Son Voices Concern Over India

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, has alleged.

That Bangladesh is sliding towards becoming “another Pakistan,” warning that the country’s political and security situation poses a growing concern for India and the wider region.

Addressing the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in New Delhi via video link from Maryland, US, on Wednesday, the senior Awami League leader claimed Bangladesh had turned into a “failed state” following the ouster of the Hasina government and accused Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of expanding its influence in the country.

Joy alleged that several convicted militants imprisoned during the Awami League’s tenure have since been released, while banned outfits such as Hizb ut-Tahrir have resumed public activities. He also claimed that individuals linked to al-Qaeda have addressed public gatherings.

“What should concern India most is that Bangladesh has become another Pakistan on India’s eastern side. You have another Pakistan today on your eastern front… This does not portend well for India or the world at large,” Joy said.

Warning of wider security implications, he claimed Bangladesh could emerge as a hub for the next generation of global terrorists if the current situation remains unchecked. He also urged the Indian media to continue highlighting developments in Bangladesh.

Joy’s remarks come months after Bangladesh’s general election, in which the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, formed the government following the end of Muhammad Yunus’s interim administration. The Awami League, which was barred from participating in the polls, continues to remain outside the country’s political process.

Questioning the credibility of the political transition, Joy alleged that the exclusion of the Awami League prevented the election from being fully representative.

He also raised concerns over the handling of the 2024 anti-government protests, disputing reported death tolls and alleging a lack of transparency over casualty figures. Joy further criticised legislation he described as an “Indemnity Bill,” claiming it grants immunity to protesters while preventing accountability for the deaths of police personnel, civilians and Awami League workers.

The former ICT adviser additionally alleged that thousands of Awami League leaders and supporters remain jailed without trial, while others have allegedly been targeted outside prison. He also claimed that journalists perceived to be sympathetic to the Awami League continue to face arrests and intimidation.

Joy further warned that Bangladesh’s economy is under severe strain and predicted that future elections would remain tilted in favour of the ruling establishment.

Joy’s remarks represent the Awami League’s position on political developments following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August 2024. His allegations have not been independently verified. The BNP-led government and Bangladeshi authorities have not responded to the specific claims made during the event and have previously rejected the Awami League’s characterisation of the country’s political situation.