Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy alleges US involvement in Bangladesh’s 2024 political upheaval, but his claims have not been independently verified….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has accused the United States of helping engineer the protests that led to his mother’s removal from power in August 2024. Speaking at a press conference in Washington, he alleged that the administration of former US President Joe Biden supported activities that contributed to the political upheaval, though he did not present documentary evidence establishing that US funding was intended to overthrow Hasina.
Joy made the allegations at an event organised by the Center for US-Bangladesh Relations, claiming that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and organisations involved in democracy promotion had supported groups that participated in the protests.
“Of course, the Biden administration was heavily involved through USAID funding to the tune of $50 million for this regime change,” Joy said.
His allegations have not been independently verified.
Joy also accused the National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute of helping organise and train groups that subsequently participated in the unrest. He did not provide evidence establishing that the organisations were involved in efforts to remove Hasina’s government.
He further alleged that Muhammad Yunus, who led Bangladesh’s interim administration following Hasina’s departure, had been selected under American diplomatic pressure on the country’s military leadership.
Joy claimed that the US ambassador in Dhaka had influenced the decision to appoint Yunus as head of the interim government. The allegations were made at a politically charged event attended by former officials and supporters of Hasina’s Awami League.
Turning to regional security, Joy accused the authorities that succeeded Hasina of releasing convicted militants and allowing extremist organisations to regain influence in Bangladesh.
He referred to the release of prisoners allegedly linked to attacks involving foreign nationals and claimed that Pakistan-linked militant groups had expanded their activities in the country.
Joy also alleged that individuals associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba had appeared at public gatherings in Bangladesh. He warned that the developments could pose risks to India and the wider region as Bangladesh’s political and security relationships continued to evolve.
The claims concerning militant activity were not independently substantiated in the material provided.
Joy also criticised Bangladesh’s growing ties with China, alleging that Chinese companies were benefiting from the political changes following Hasina’s departure. He further claimed that corruption had influenced commercial relationships involving Chinese businesses but did not provide supporting evidence.
On economic relations with Washington, Joy questioned Bangladesh’s ability to meet major commercial commitments to American companies, citing agreements involving energy company Excelerate Energy and aircraft manufacturer Boeing.
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“They’ve signed a contract for 29 Boeings. The government of Bangladesh does not have the money to pay for them,” he said.
He also alleged that American energy suppliers were not receiving full payments under existing arrangements.
Neither the companies nor the Bangladesh government provided responses in the supplied transcript.
Former senior Bangladeshi official Ahmad Kaikaus, who served under Hasina, separately argued that political instability and weakening institutions were undermining investor confidence and threatening economic development.
He said the United States and other international partners should encourage dialogue, due process and peaceful political competition rather than deepen Bangladesh’s political divisions.
Hasina was removed from power following mass protests in August 2024. Her government had faced criticism over political repression, disputed elections and its handling of demonstrations before its collapse.
The political transition has since reshaped Bangladesh’s domestic politics and foreign relations, with questions over governance, security and the country’s relationships with regional and international powers remaining central to the debate.
