Although Awami League leaders and activists are given impression by Sheikh Hasina who fled Bangladesh on August 5 following 15 years authoritarian rule, according to a credible source, a frustrated Hasina has no actual plan of returning to Bangladesh even in the distant future, while her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed Putul are pressuring Hasina to take asylum in any “secured country”.

Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy particularly in worried about his direct and indirect involvement in a large number of financial crimes, including stealing US$100 million from Bangladesh Bank reserve, sabotaging availability of PayPal services in Bangladesh (as Joy and Zunaid Ahmed Palak obstructed PayPal from entering Bangladesh for their own financial greed), selling data of over 400 million Bangladeshi citizen to foreign nations, making hundreds of millions of dollars as kickback from the amount Sheikh Hasina’s government spent on Quick-Rental Power Stations, and taking huge amount of money as kickback from all the large and mid-range infrastructural development projects (through Obaidul Quader), among other financial crimes.

It is also alleged that Sajeeb Wazed Joy stole a large number of extremely precious artifacts from the National Museum with direct collaboration of his “friends” as well as an influential official of country’s intelligence agency. Joy, along with his aunt Sheikh Rehana was directly involved in countrywide illegal casino business, which was coordinated by Major General TM Jobaer, former Director General of the National Security Intelligence (NSI).

According to media reports, in August this year, a retired army officer lodged a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) accusing Major General Jobayer of amassing illicit asset accumulation and money laundering. This former chief of NSI owns huge properties in the United Kingdom and other countries, while he has purchased citizenship in at least one Caribbean Island nation.

The charges include accusations of manipulating power for personal gain, such as facilitating business deals and securing political endorsements. Key allegations detail that Jobayer’s ill-gotten assets include a lavish house in Gulshan-2, a resort in Gazipur, multiple properties in Uttara and Savar, and a flat in Segun Bagicha.

TM Jobayer has served as NSI director general from 2018 to April 2024 and was known as the “right-hand man” of Sheikh Hasina.

It may be mentioned here that in recent times, the dynamics of Bangladeshi politics have grown increasingly complicated as Sheikh Hasina, the long-serving ex- prime minister, faces a growing sense of distrust and discontent both domestically and abroad. Despite her once-strong relations with key allies, there have been instances where Sheikh Hasina’s actions placed the host country’s government in a diplomatically awkward position. Despite their polite requests for her to avoid any political missteps, she has appeared inattentive to these concerns, proceeding nonetheless.

Key policymakers in India, especially those with close oversight of Bangladeshi affairs, reportedly feel frustrated with Sheikh Hasina’s recent political adventures. India has long been one of Hasina’s strongest allies, and its policymakers have often supported her government for its shared security and economic interests. However, as recent reports suggest, the Indian establishment has grown weary of her ignoring advice, particularly on issues that impact regional stability and economic cooperation.

In India’s view, Sheikh Hasina’s dismissiveness toward certain suggestions and misadventures reflects an erosion of trust that could jeopardize longstanding regional stability. For a country that has been a key ally, India’s frustration could signal a turning point, hinting that India may reconsider its approach to Hasina if she doesn’t address their concerns.

There has been a perception that Sheikh Hasina was leveraging her strong relationship with India to exert influence over her political opponents in Bangladesh, using India as a form of diplomatic shield against domestic and international criticism.

Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, has been at the forefront of attempts to shape international opinion in favor of his mother’s previous administration. To counteract the narrative of fascist government of Awami League in Bangladesh, Joy has reportedly sought massive media coverage alongside lobbyist activities in the Western countries, intending to portray the interim government as a destabilizing and cohort of extremist and ultra-Islamist force.

A significant divide has surfaced over funding Joy’s Western lobbyists and media campaign. Prominent Awami League financier Salman F Rahman’s family, according to sources, has declined to provide the necessary resources, seeing the effort as futile and potentially harmful. Similarly, extremely controversial and heavily corrupt Awami League leaders such as Nasrul Hamid Bipu, Obaidul Quader, Dr. Zahid Malik, Shahjahan Khan and others, including past government’s key beneficiaries such as Summit Group and Orion Group in particular are showing reluctance in providing required fund for running extensive lobbyist activities and massive media assault targeting Muhammad Yunus and the interim government.

Even family members of Sheikh Hasina, including her sister Sheikh Rehana, cousin Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, Sheikh Helal, Barrister Fazle Noor Taposh and her Security Advisor Tarique Siddique, reportedly believe that the Awami League is past its political prime and that attempting to manipulate foreign media or spend cash towards lobbyist activities will do little to restore its credibility, while they have started thinking, prospects for Sheikh Hasina’s return to power even within a decade is “zero”.

One of the most shocking financial scandals of the past decade was the Bangladesh Bank heist, where $100 million was stolen from the central bank. Allegations have since surfaced linking individuals close to the government, including Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Arafat A. Rahman, and ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, to the heist. These accusations, though yet to be substantiated, have cast a shadow over the government’s financial integrity.

There are allegations that the ruling Awami League obstructed the investigation into the heist to protect high-profile individuals. Despite some initial inquiries, the investigation hit numerous roadblocks, with many suspecting that the government deliberately suppressed evidence to prevent the scandal from implicating key figures within the administration. The lack of a transparent probe has significantly damaged the public’s trust, with many wondering if justice will ever be served.

The global digital economy has made it easier than ever for developing countries to integrate into the international marketplace. Yet, in Bangladesh, a significant roadblock to this integration has been the absence of PayPal – a popular international payment system that could have facilitated a surge in freelance opportunities and e-commerce. Critics argue that PayPal’s exclusion from Bangladesh was a deliberate policy by the Awami League government.

The absence of PayPal has impacted Bangladesh’s booming freelance sector, frustrating thousands of freelancers who rely on international clients and payments. Many have accused Joy and other close aides of Hasina of blocking PayPal, possibly due to vested interests or political motives, preventing Bangladesh from fully engaging in the global digital marketplace.

Sajeeb Wazed Joy’s influence has extended beyond his attempts at positive media portrayals; he has also been accused of undermining the government’s image. Observers note that Joy has hired international media outlets and cyber teams to criticize the incumbent interim government, leading to a barrage of accusations and propaganda aimed at opposition groups.

In numerous instances, Joy’s unscrupulous tactics have backfired, adding to the global perception of Bangladesh Awami League’s government as a fascist regime. These actions, intended to bolster the last government’s legitimacy, have instead led to greater scrutiny and criticism from international organizations and foreign governments. The aggressive media strategies, have cast a negative light on Awami League’s political image, complicating efforts to secure new foreign partnerships.

Serious corruption allegations have emerged against Sheikh Hasina’s close associates, including figures like S Alam and Salman F Rahman, accused of siphoning approximately $17 billion from banks. Additionally, allegations of genocide surfaced against Hasina in July 2024. Aware of how the ICT tribunal may impose severe punitive measures, it could also be a potential barrier to the return of her.

Sheikh Hasina’s reluctance to return to Bangladesh may be attributed to a multitude of factors. From strained relations with key Indian policymakers and internal family disagreements to allegations of corruption and economic mismanagement, her position appears increasingly precarious. The erosion of trust within her own party and the growing discontent among citizens reveal deep cracks in her leadership.

While her party has been a long-standing force in Bangladeshi politics, recent developments suggest that Sheikh Hasina may be facing an uphill battle. The ongoing scandals, international scrutiny, and failure to address domestic concerns could mark a turning point in her political journey, leaving many to question if her era in Bangladeshi politics is nearing its end.

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