A renewed discussion has surfaced over the possibility of Sajeeb Wazed Joy and Saima Wazed Putul assuming leadership positions in Awami League (AL), replacing their mother Sheikh Hasina.
A report, published by BBC Bangla earlier Monday, suggests that Hasina has made the decision to involve her son and daughter in politics, comparing with the political careers of Indian Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, whose family influence has played a strong role in the party’s politics.
However, the comparison between Sajeeb, Saima and the Gandhis is somewhat limited, as the political environments in India and Bangladesh differ significantly.
It is important to note that Hasina has taken asylum in India since her government was deposed in a student-led mass uprising in August last year.
While Rahul and Priyanka have not faced significant allegations of corruption or malpractice, serious allegations have been raised against the son and daughter of Hasina in Bangladesh, which raises questions about their moral standing and political future.
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who served as the ICT advisor to the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, has been accused of accumulating illegal assets worth Tk60.14 crore. There are also questions regarding the legitimacy of his movable and immovable assets in the United States where he lives now.
If these accusations are proven true, it could put the Awami League in a deep political crisis.
Similarly, Saima Wazed Putul faces allegations of influencing her appointment as the Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) Southeast Asia. Additionally, there are accusations of unethical financial dealings and embezzlement related to the “Suchona Foundation.”
There are also some doubts about her posting in Delhi as political analysts suggest that her appointment in Indian capital, along with arrangements for housing there, may have been part of Indian strategy to position the next Awami League leadership before a change of power in Bangladesh.
While the validity of such a plan remains questionable, it is something that could be explored within political analysis.
Over the last two decades, under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, the party has evolved into a Sheikh family-owned entity, with most of the important positions being held by members of her family or their close relatives.
Nearly fifty people who are related to the Sheikh family have been elected to the National Parliament, and over a hundred have been appointed to senior government positions.
However, if Sajeeb and Saima take charge of the party, the leadership of Awami League may shift from Gopalganj to Rangpur. There is no historical connection between them and Rangpur, as their roots are primarily connected to their maternal side.
Therefore, it remains to be seen whether Awami League can truly break free from the influence of the Sheikh family and their circle of relatives.
The long history of Sheikh family rule, marked by corruption and dynastic control, has caused frustration among many.
If Sajeeb and Saima take the helm, they will need to address the allegations against them to regain the reputational damage associated with the Sheikh family, and establish a new political narrative, which will not be easy.
Hence, the type of reforms that Awami League will pursue under the leadership of Sajeeb Wazed Joy and Saima Wazed Putul remains uncertain. If the allegations against them are proven to be true, it could drive the party into a political crisis.
On the other hand, if they manage to restructure the party and move forward with a fresh perspective, it could lead to a significant political shift, but only time will say.
