The verdict will be televised live across Bangladesh. Wazed believes the outcome is already decided.
Bangladesh is on high alert as political tensions rise ahead of the major court verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Her son and adviser, Sajeeb Wazed, has warned that supporters of the Awami League will stop the upcoming national election in February if the government does not lift the ban on the party. His remarks have intensified concerns of unrest in the country.
Wazed said the Awami League will not allow the election to move forward without its participation. He added that the party’s supporters could take to the streets and that the protests might turn violent if the interim government does not reverse its decision.
"We will not allow elections without the Awami League to go ahead," he said. He also emphasised that the party will do whatever it takes.
His warning came a day before the special tribunal announces its verdict in the high-profile case against Hasina, who faces charges of crimes against humanity for a deadly crackdown on student-led protests in 2024.
The verdict will be televised live across Bangladesh. Wazed believes the outcome is already decided. "They're televising it. They're going to convict her, and they'll probably sentence her to death,” he said.
Wazed, who lives in Washington, DC, said he fears a biased ruling and insists the trial is politically motivated. He also said that his mother is safe in India after she fled Bangladesh in August 2024 following her government’s fall.
“What can they do to my mother? My mother is safe in India. India is giving her full security," he added further.
The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus denies any political influence on the trial. A spokesperson said that the tribunal has maintained full transparency and allowed observers to review the proceedings.
The spokesperson added that the government does not plan to lift the ban on the Awami League.
"The interim government regards any incitement to violence — especially by exiled political figures — as deeply irresponsible and reprehensible," the spokesperson said.
“At present, there is no dialogue space for Awami League as it continues to refuse to express any remorse for crimes against humanity committed under its rule," he added.
Earlier in October, Hasina told Reuters that she was free to move around in Delhi, where she currently lives in exile. She strongly criticised the case against her.
Hasina called the verdict “a politically motivated charade” and said that the verdict was a “foregone conclusion.”
Wazed said the Awami League will not file an appeal unless a democratically elected government comes to power with the party’s participation.
Tension has been growing in Dhaka. Several crude bombs exploded on Sunday. On November 12, authorities recorded 32 blasts and multiple incidents of buses being set on fire.
Security forces have deployed more than 400 Border Guards, set up additional checkpoints, and restricted public gatherings to prevent violence.
“You're seeing in the last few days shutdowns across the country, massive protests throughout the country, and they're only going to get bigger,” Wazed said.
