After 44 years of leading the party, Sheikh Hasina is finally handing over the leadership to her son. Sajeeb Wazed Joy’s name will be announced as the next president of the banned Awami League, sources close to the party have said.
Final Decision in Secret Meeting
On July 25, Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana and some close family members were present in a secret meeting held in India. This meeting is considered to be very significant in resolving the internal crisis in the party and filling the leadership vacuum. In the meeting, it was decided to give the responsibility to Sajeeb Wazed Joy as the next president of the Awami League.
Before the meeting, Sheikh Hasina consulted with various leaders at the central and district levels virtually. It was reported that Joy is being brought in charge of the party after considering all aspects.
A close source to the party said, the banned organization is looking for a capable and young leader as the new general secretary, who can play an effective role for the party in the future political reality. In preparation for this change, two influential leaders have also been given the responsibility of forming a political fund for the party. It is also said that the new leadership will include old and tested leaders, but several new faces will be added to the central committee.
July Massacre, International Pressure and Leadership Crisis
On August 5, 2024, the Awami League lost power in the face of a mass uprising by students and the public. Later, many leaders of the party went into hiding and Sheikh Hasina took refuge in India. At the same time, several leaders were arrested and the party’s political activities were later banned.
The ongoing trial against the Awami League at the International Crimes Tribunal, especially its involvement in the July Massacre, has put the party’s image under severe pressure. It is also feared that a final verdict may be issued against Sheikh Hasina soon as multiple call records and evidence have been released.
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In this situation, the organizational structure practically collapsed and the leadership crisis took a serious shape. As a result, initiatives have been taken to establish a new leadership on an urgent basis to restructure the party.
Questions and criticism about Joy’s leadership
However, there have been widespread questions about the leadership of Sajeeb Wazed Joy, both inside and outside the party. He has long been disliked by a large section of the Awami League’s reformists. It can be said that he had no direct involvement in the country’s politics.
In addition, he is still at the center of controversy as his name has come up in various irregularities and corruption allegations during the previous government. Joy even announced his departure from the party after Sheikh Hasina took refuge in India, which was criticized as ‘selfish behavior’ within the Awami League.
Recently, when news of his purchase of a luxurious house in the United States was published, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) ordered its seizure. Later, a status posted by Joy on social media in this regard, which implied a threat of weapons, also generated widespread criticism.
Political analysts are raising questions about the Awami League’s leadership being back in the hands of the Sheikh family. There are doubts about how effective the new leadership will be in resolving the party’s internal disputes.
However, those close to Sheikh Hasina are optimistic that the party can be revived through a leadership transformation. For this, the main strategy will be to use the party’s old experience and coordinate with the new generation.
Source: Bangladesh Times
