Zakir Hossain from Dhaka
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of ousted Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, has acknowledged “some initial mistakes” by her government during last year’s uprising but dismissed a UN report claiming 1,400 deaths, saying the figure was closer to 800.
In an interview with the Associated Press (AP), Joy cited a statement from a health adviser under interim leader Muhammad Yunus, claiming around 800 people died. “All deaths were regrettable and need thorough investigation,” he said, but criticised the interim government’s immunity for protesters.
Calling the trial against Hasina a “kangaroo court,” Joy accused the Yunus administration of using the uprising to “hunt” his mother. A special prosecutor recently sought the death penalty for Hasina, who remains in exile in India.
Joy, speaking from Washington, warned that Bangladesh’s instability would worsen unless the ban on the Awami League—imposed in May—is lifted. “This ban has to be lifted; elections must be inclusive and free,” he said.
He also alleged that Yunus was “paving the way for Islamist groups” and that about 500 Awami League activists have been murdered since the uprising, with 31 dying in custody. “Religious minorities, especially Hindus, are prime targets,” he added.
The interim government denies all allegations. Bangladesh’s next election is due February 2026.