Abdullah Yousuf: Sheikh Hasina’s son has been at the forefront of the Awami League’s media strategy, actively managing its public relations initiatives. He is now channeling resources into lobbying efforts through individuals closely connected to Donald Trump.

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has engaged the prominent Washington, D.C. lobbying firm Stryk Global Diplomacy (formerly known as Sonoran Policy Group) to bolster his influence with U.S. policymakers. This strategic decision follows Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and subsequent departure to India on August 5th, following the fall of her Awami League government.

Documents obtained and verified by Suprovat Sydney reveal that Joy has entered into a six-month contract with Stryk Global Diplomacy, providing an upfront payment of $200,000 (approximately 2.4 crores in Bangladeshi taka). In exchange for this investment, the lobbyists will engage with both the Executive and Legislative branches of the U.S. government to offer specialized insights into the pressing issues currently facing Bangladesh.

The agreement, along with an accompanying amendment, was submitted under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) on September 12, 2024, via Wazed Consulting Inc, a company wholly owned by Joy. The lobbying firm, led by Christian Bourge and Robert Stryk, maintains strong connections to former U.S. President Donald Trump, with both individuals having served as advisers during his 2016 campaign.

Joy’s engagement of Stryk Global Diplomacy continues a pattern of collaboration with U.S. lobbyists. In 2005, he allocated $720,000 to Alcalde & Fay on behalf of the U.S. Awami League. At that time, Representative Gary Ackerman voiced concerns regarding Bangladesh’s political trajectory, drawing comparisons to Pakistan under General Musharraf and cautioning that the weakening of mainstream parties could empower Islamist factions.

In the wake of his mother’s ouster, Joy has stepped into the role of spokesperson for the Awami League, as many party leaders remain in hiding or imprisoned. Based on Joy’s recent public statements, it appears that his efforts aim to depict a post-Awami League Bangladesh as being increasingly dominated by Islamist extremists.

Experts have indicated that Joy is experiencing serious mental health issues and requires immediate treatment. Sajeeb Wazed, the son of Sheikh Hasina, stated that the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh is prepared to face trial after her departure from the country.

Sheikh Hasina, who has been in power for approximately 16 years, sought refuge in New Delhi on August 5, 2024, following protests that escalated outside her official residence. Sajeeb Wazed, speaking to Reuters from Washington, emphasized his mother’s resolve: “The threat of arrest has never intimidated her.”

After fleeing the protests on August 5, the long-time leader, often described as one of the most corrupt Prime Ministers in Bangladesh’s history, is ready to return home to confront the allegations against her.

“My mother has done nothing wrong. Just because some individuals in her government engaged in illegal activities doesn’t mean she ordered them or is responsible for their actions.”

Joy’s statements often come across as inconsistent, leading many to perceive his remarks as childish. People are weary of his approach.

During recent protests, police were filmed deploying tear gas, stun grenades, and opening fire on demonstrators, while the government imposed a nationwide internet and communication blackout.

When pressed about who in the government was responsible for the violence against protesters, Joy stated, “A government is a complex machinery. Those who are accountable should be brought to justice.” He firmly asserted, “My mother did not instruct anyone to harm the protesters.”

Following a national security cabinet meeting earlier this month, Ms. Hasina called on security forces to escalate their response to the protests. She described the demonstrators not as students but as “terrorist’s intent on destabilizing the nation.” “I urge our fellow citizens to confront these terrorists with strength,” she stated.

In contrast, Joy maintained that the police were attempting to manage the situation and that only “some” officers used excessive force. “Our government took immediate action, and I was part of those discussions. I advised my mother to instruct our student wing to refrain from any attacks and to halt the violence,” he said. “We suspended the police officers involved in shooting at students. We did everything we could.”

The protests intensified on Monday, prompting Ms. Hasina to escape to Delhi via military helicopter with her sister. At that time, Bangladesh Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that Ms. Hasina had submitted her resignation. “The country is experiencing a revolutionary period,” he remarked in a televised address. “I ask for your patience; together we will address these challenges.”

On Tuesday, Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved parliament after consultations with military leaders and opposition figures, paving the way for the formation of an interim government.

Following a national security cabinet meeting earlier this month, Ms. Hasina called on security forces to escalate their response to the protests. She described the demonstrators not as students but as “terrorist’s intent on destabilizing the nation.” “I urge our fellow citizens to confront these terrorists with strength,” she stated.

In contrast, Joy maintained that the police were attempting to manage the situation and that only “some” officers used excessive force. “Our government took immediate action, and I was part of those discussions. I advised my mother to instruct our student wing to refrain from any attacks and to halt the violence,” he said. “We suspended the police officers involved in shooting at students. We did everything we could.”

The protests intensified on Monday, prompting Ms. Hasina to escape to Delhi via military helicopter with her sister. At that time, Bangladesh Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that Ms. Hasina had submitted her resignation. “The country is experiencing a revolutionary period,” he remarked in a televised address. “I ask for your patience; together we will address these challenges.”

On Tuesday, Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved parliament after consultations with military leaders and opposition figures, paving the way for the formation of an interim government.

Joy asserted that Ms. Hasina had not officially resigned before fleeing, suggesting that the legitimacy of the interim government “can be challenged in court.” “My mother never formally resigned; she didn’t have the opportunity,” he explained. “She had intended to make a statement and submit her resignation, but when the protesters began marching on the Prime Minister’s residence, there was no time. She wasn’t even packed.” He added, “According to the constitution, she is still the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.”

Joy also announced that the Awami League would participate in the upcoming elections, which he insisted must be held within three months. “I’m confident that the Awami League will return to power. If not, we are prepared to be the opposition. Either outcome is acceptable,” he stated.

“Let’s move beyond the past and avoid the politics of vengeance. We need to collaborate, whether it’s a unity government or not.” Joy expressed his willingness to work with the BNP to facilitate democratic elections and restore democracy in Bangladesh. “I believe it’s crucial to engage in politics and negotiations,” he emphasized. “We can have disagreements, but we can always find a compromise.”

When asked if he would be the Awami League’s prime ministerial candidate, Joy responded, “My mother was planning to retire after this term anyway. If the party wants me to step forward, I will certainly consider it.” He added that he would return to Bangladesh when he chose, stating, “I have never done anything illegal. So, how can anyone stop me?”

In recent months, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, has taken to social media to assert that the Bangladesh police do not use 7.62mm rifles. By making this claim, he implies that such weapons must have been employed by external forces to attack students and other protesters opposing his mother’s government, effectively placing blame on her administration for the violence against demonstrators. However, evidence contradicts this narrative, revealing that the Bangladesh police have not only possessed but have also actively deployed 7.62mm rifles, including during the protests that led to Hasina’s ousting on August 5th.

Joy’s misleading claims gained significant traction, being widely shared on the Awami League’s official Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) pages, amassing over 100,000 reactions and more than 7,000 shares. A video he posted on Facebook garnered 1.4 million views, while two of his tweets reached around 200,000 users. Notably, none of these posts included reviews from Facebook’s fact-checkers or X’s Community Notes, which are designed to mitigate the spread of misinformation.

Months later, Joy reiterated his claims, referencing the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) to assert, “They have video evidence of civilians armed with AK-47s shooting at protesters.” Since the AK-47 is a type of 7.62mm rifle, he insisted, “These are not used by our police and are prohibited in #Bangladesh.”

Within 24 hours, on October 3rd, the Awami League echoed this narrative in a Facebook statement: “You have witnessed how nefarious local political forces and foreign agents hijacked the students’ movement from July 16, leading to violence and arson. The situation escalated further with the use of 7.62mm rifles against the students.

“The political parties are not going anywhere. You cannot erase us. Without our support, you won’t be able to bring stability to Bangladesh,” Joy emphasized. He had previously mentioned that his mother would not be returning.

However, contrary to Joy’s conspiracy theory, extensive documentation reveals that Bangladesh police and security forces have indeed employed lethal force against students and protesters. At the time, officials publicly mandated a “shoot at sight” policy, and the Hasina government openly defended its use of force against demonstrators, labeling them as “extremists.”

Visual Evidence of Police Using 7.62mm Rifles

Extensive photographic and video evidence further substantiates the use of 7.62mm rifles by security forces during the protests:

The Daily Star published numerous photographs taken during the protests, showcasing members of the Police, Armed Police Battalion (APBn), Ansar, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) wielding Type 56 rifles against demonstrators.

An Associated Press photograph from July 19, 2024, captures a police officer aiming a Type 56 assault rifle at protesters near the Baitul Mukarram Market in Dhaka.

Another Associated Press image from August 5 depicts an APBn officer pointing a Chinese Type 56 semi-automatic rifle at demonstrators.

On July 25, Amnesty International’s Crisis Evidence Lab verified multiple videos, confirming that Chinese Type 56-1 assault rifles were used by security forces to shoot at protesters.

A video report by RTV, a Bangladeshi satellite TV channel, included footage of policemen firing Type 56 semi-automatic rifles, which utilize 7.62×39mm ammunition, at protesters.

A police official who served in the Uttara neighbourhood of Dhaka told Netra News, “In Uttara, I have personally witnessed multiple incidents where such Chinese rifles were indiscriminately used against protesters.” He requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information.

Major Shafayet Ahmad (Retired), a former infantry heavy weapons instructor in the Bangladesh Army, reviewed the photographs shared by Netra News and identified the weapons accurately. He remarked, “The weapon being fired through a fence is a 7.62mm Semi-Automatic Rifle Type

Furthermore, Bangladeshi media have reported numerous instances of ruling Awami League activists using heavy weaponry against protesters. Notably, on August 4th, just a day before Hasina was ousted, The Business Standard reported that a prominent Awami League leader allegedly directed his subordinates to fire upon students.

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, expressed his readiness to enter politics, despite earlier claims of having no interest. Speaking with The Times of India from his home in Washington, DC, he said, “I will do whatever it takes to save the party and its members.”

In an interview on Wednesday, Joy revealed that his mother was reluctant to leave Bangladesh. He shared that their family had to persuade her to evacuate Dhaka, expressing concern for her safety. “I was worried not because she was leaving, but because she didn’t want to leave. We had to convince her. I told her, this is no longer a political movement; it’s a mob, and they could harm you,” he told Deutsche Welle.

He also dismissed speculation about Hasina seeking asylum in the United States or the United Kingdom, confirming that she would remain in Delhi for the time being. Sheikh Hasina departed Dhaka on a military aircraft on Monday and arrived at Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad, where she was taken to a secure location.

Joy explained that the decision for Hasina to resign was made the day before, but the urgency increased with the advancing protesters. “She had decided a day earlier. Only a few of us knew she would announce her resignation and plan for a constitutional transition of power. But when the protesters began marching toward Ganabhaban, we realized there was no time left. She had to leave immediately,” he said.

Joy expressed satisfaction with the army chief’s timeline for elections within 18 months, though he noted it was later than he had hoped. He warned, however, that genuine reform and elections would be impossible without the participation of his party. General Waker-uz-Zaman, whose decision not to support Hasina during the deadly student protests led to her flight to India in August, has indicated that democracy should return within a year to a year and a half.

Meanwhile, reports have emerged suggesting that Joy has withdrawn a significant amount of U.S. dollars from Bangladesh and may be linked to the Bangladesh Bank scam, along with other financial institutions. It appears that legal action against him may be forthcoming as investigations continue.