Sajeeb Wazed, the son and adviser of ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said on Sunday that Awami League supporters will block the February national election unless the interim government lifts the ban on the party. He warned that the situation could escalate quickly and turn violent.

His comments came just a day before a special tribunal delivers its verdict against Hasina. The former prime minister faces charges of crimes against humanity for the 2024 crackdown on student-led protests. She denies the charges and insists the trial is politically motivated.

Hasina awaits the verdict from exile

Hasina has lived in exile in Delhi since August 2024. Wazed said India is protecting her and treating her “like a head of the state.”

Wazed expects a harsh verdict. “They're televising it. They're going to convict her, and they'll probably sentence her to death,” he said from Washington, DC.

He added, “What can they do to my mother? My mother is safe in India. India is giving her full security.”

Interim government rejects political bias

Meanwhile, the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus dismissed accusations of political targeting. Its spokesperson said the court “functioned transparently, allowing observers and publishing regular documentation.”

In October, Hasina told Reuters she could move freely in Delhi. She described the case as “a politically motivated charade” and called the verdict a “foregone conclusion.”

Wazed sets conditions for appeal

Wazed stressed that the family will not appeal the verdict unless a democratically elected government takes office with Awami League participation. The interim government suspended the party’s registration in May and banned its political activity, arguing that it threatened national security.

Wazed made his position clear. “We will not allow elections without the Awami League to go ahead,” he said. He also noted that the party will do whatever is necessary.

He warned that Bangladesh may see unrest without international intervention. “There's going to be confrontations,” he said.

Government stands firm on the ban

However, the government spokesperson said they have no plan to lift the ban. “The interim government regards any incitement to violence — especially by exiled political figures — as deeply irresponsible and reprehensible,” the spokesperson stated.

He added that “at present, there is no dialogue space for Awami League as it continues to refuse to express any remorse for crimes against humanity committed under its rule.”

Dhaka braces for more unrest

Tensions are already rising in Dhaka. On Sunday, several crude bombs exploded across the city. Earlier, on November 12, authorities reported 32 blasts and multiple buses being torched.

In response, security forces tightened control. They deployed more than 400 Border Guards, strengthened checkpoints, and limited public gatherings. Officials said they aim to reduce tensions and protect lives and property.

Wazed predicts larger protests

Wazed said nationwide demonstrations will intensify. “You're seeing in the last few days shutdowns across the country, massive protests throughout the country, and they're only going to get bigger,” he warned.