Since May 17, 1981, Sheikh Hasina has led the Awami League—Bangladesh’s oldest and most prominent political party—for more than 44 uninterrupted years. Throughout this long tenure, she never publicly articulated a succession plan, nor indicated who might lead the party in her absence.
Political analysts argue that this lack of foresight contributed significantly to the organizational collapse of the Awami League following her ouster from power on August 5, 2024. The interim government, now in control, has banned all political activities of the Awami League inside Bangladesh.
Leadership Vacuum and Exile in India
Since her removal, Sheikh Hasina has lived in India as a guest of the Indian government, under tight restrictions on her movements and interactions with party members. In her absence, grassroots activists and mid-level leaders have been left in uncertainty, with no clear figure to rally behind. In this vacuum, Saima Wazed, Hasina’s daughter—residing nearby in India—has increasingly emerged as her political proxy. Saima is now handling a wide range of political responsibilities: from drafting speeches and scheduling programs to meeting party visitors on her mother’s behalf.
Over the past two months, Saima has held multiple meetings with key party figures. Although insiders confirm her growing role, they have done so under the condition of anonymity. It’s increasingly clear that Sheikh Hasina is delegating—or being forced to delegate—key leadership functions to her children.
What Is the Awami League Saying?
In conversations with Media, senior Awami League leaders based in India and abroad acknowledged the emergence of a ‘Rahul-Priyanka’ style leadership model. However, due to the sensitivity of the issue, no one was willing to speak on the record.
Mohammad Arafat, a Central Executive Committee member and former State Minister for Information, said, “To be honest, the succession plan you’re referring to is not currently a priority for us. This is not the time to focus on who gets which position or title.”
He added, “We’re not having internal discussions on this issue at the moment. Our primary focus now is restoring democracy in Bangladesh, and all efforts are geared toward that.”
Still, Arafat did note that Sajeeb Wazed has long been active in politics, and Saima Wazed is now becoming increasingly involved.
Why Has Saima Wazed Entered Politics Now?
The simplest answer: she had no alternative after being placed on indefinite leave by the World Health Organization (WHO). On July 11, 2025, the WHO placed Saima Wazed on indefinite leave from her post as Regional Director for Southeast Asia, appointing Katharina Boehme as Acting Director. An internal email from WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, obtained by the MEDIA, cited the Bangladesh government’s refusal to cooperate and controversy surrounding her appointment as key factors behind the decision.
Additionally, Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched investigations into Saima Wazed for alleged illicit wealth, fraud, and abuse of power—pressures that further influenced the WHO’s decision.
According to WHO insiders, unless Bangladesh’s stance changes dramatically, her return to the role is highly unlikely.
Initially, following the political crisis in August 2024, Saima had tweeted that she intended to continue in her WHO role—but later deleted the post. Appointed in February 2024 for a five-year term, her tenure was expected to last until 2029. With that path now blocked, she has shifted focus to full-time political engagement, supporting her mother in both strategic and operational matters.
Last month, Saima resumed political activity on social media, including retweets of posts by her brother Sajeeb Wazed and cousin Tulip Siddiq. Observers interpret this as a clear signal that she no longer expects to return to the WHO.
What Is the ‘Rahul-Priyanka Model’?
In India, as Sonia Gandhi withdrew from active politics due to age and health, her children Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi took on prominent leadership roles in the Congress Party.
During the 2024 Indian general elections, Priyanka notably chose not to contest a seat, saying:
“This is Rahul’s election. I never want the spotlight to shift even slightly away from him.”
After Rahul won two constituencies and vacated one, Priyanka won the subsequent by-election, becoming a first-time MP. Yet, she continues in a supportive role, while Rahul serves as Leader of the Opposition.
Though Priyanka had been politically active since 1999, long before Rahul’s entry in 2004, she has consistently stepped aside to allow her brother center stage.
Now, Sheikh Hasina appears to be adopting a similar strategy—positioning Sajeeb Wazed as the primary face of the party, while Saima Wazed takes on a behind-the-scenes role.
Longstanding Ties with the Gandhi Family
Although Hasina has built a strong working relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recent years, her ties with the Gandhi family are older and more personal. She and Sonia Gandhi are close in age, and have maintained personal contact across decades.
During a state visit to India in September 2023, Hasina repeatedly requested Bangladesh’s ambassador to arrange a meeting with Rahul Gandhi. Although Rahul was then occupied with his Bharat Jodo Yatra, he met Hasina on December 6, just before a flight to Chennai.
Hasina reportedly asked him about his political plans and strategy for the Yatra, offering her encouragement and good wishes. Those close to her now confirm that she closely follows Rahul and Priyanka’s political journeys, and is now applying a similar blueprint within her own party.
Analyst: Family-Based Leadership Is ‘Natural’ for Awami League
Veteran Indian political analyst Vinod Sharma told , “Like India’s Congress, the Awami League is a family-centered party. It’s only natural that leadership will emerge from the First Family.”
He added:
“No matter how close Sheikh Hasina is to the BJP or Narendra Modi, the BJP’s political model is not a fit for the Awami League.” Sidelining of Obaidul Quader and Rise of a New Leadership Trio
As Sheikh Hasina gradually brings her children into party leadership, she is also restructuring the operational core of the Awami League. The party’s operational command has now effectively shifted outside of Bangladesh, spread across three geographic centers:
Sheikh Hasina and Saima Wazed — near Delhi, India , Sajeeb Wazed — in Virginia, USA, Senior party leaders — based in Kolkata
Although Obaidul Quader remains the General Secretary on paper, sources confirm he has not met Hasina in India, even after ten months of exile. Instead, Hasina has entrusted three senior leaders—currently stationed in Kolkata—with key responsibilities Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal , Former MP and aide to the Prime Minister A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim and Presidium Member and former MP Jahangir Kabir Nanak .
Reliable sources say these leaders remain in direct contact with Hasina, but day-to-day coordination is now overseen by Saima Wazed.
Meanwhile, Sajeeb Wazed leads a U.S.-based team focused on narrative building and international media outreach to generate support for the Awami League abroad.
The First Family Remains at the Helm
At 76 years old, the Awami League is facing what may be the most difficult period in its long history. Yet one constant endures: control remains firmly in the hands of Sheikh Hasina’s family—now increasingly represented by Sajeeb and Saima Wazed.
This generational transition, modeled on India’s Congress Party, may help preserve party unity in exile, but it also raises questions about internal democracy, grassroots renewal, and the future of dynastic politics in Bangladesh.
