In a shocking development, Bangladesh’s ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal. The verdict comes over her government’s alleged brutal crackdown on student-led protests last year. Before the ruling, her son, Sajeeb Wazed, had warned that his mother would be convicted and expressed concerns over the country’s political stability, saying supporters of the Awami League might block the upcoming national election if a ban on the party was not lifted. He also cautioned that protests could escalate into violence.
Who Is Sajeeb Wazed?
Sajeeb Wazed, often called “Joy,” is the son and adviser of Sheikh Hasina. He is the eldest grandson of Bangladesh’s founding father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Wazed currently lives in Washington, D.C., and is a prominent member of the Bangladesh Awami League.
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Known for his political involvement and technological expertise, Wazed has played a key role in shaping his mother’s policies, particularly in the area of digital governance.
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Early Life and Education
Born on July 27, 1971, during the Bangladesh Liberation War, Sajeeb Wazed was given the nickname “Joy,” which means “Victory” in Bengali. He studied in India at St. Joseph’s College and the University of Bangalore. Later, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard University.
Wazed’s academic background and international exposure have contributed to his role as a modernizer and adviser in the political and technological sphere.
Personal Life and Career
Sajeeb Wazed married Kristine Wazed in 2002, and the couple has a daughter named Sophia Rehana Wazed. Professionally, he is best known for his work as the ICT Affairs Adviser to Sheikh Hasina, leading initiatives like “Digital Bangladesh,” which aimed to modernize governance and improve access to technology.
In 2007, the World Economic Forum recognized Wazed as a Young Global Leader, highlighting his significant contributions to the ICT sector.
Reaction to Death Sentence
Following the verdict against Sheikh Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed strongly criticized the trial process. He described the Bangladeshi government as “unelected, unconstitutional, undemocratic” and claimed the trial was “rushed and predetermined.” Wazed added that his mother was denied the opportunity to have her own defense attorneys during the proceedings.
“Right now, there is no rule of law in Bangladesh,” Wazed said, emphasizing that any legal appeal must wait until a fair judicial process is restored. He expressed confidence that the verdict would eventually be overturned.
As Bangladesh faces political tension following the death sentence, Sajeeb Wazed remains a vocal defender of his mother and the Awami League. With his international experience, political background, and advocacy for justice, Wazed continues to monitor developments closely and engage with supporters around the world.