Despite rejecting the recently concluded national election as “orchestrated” and lacking democratic credibility, Sajeeb Wazed Joy has expressed unwavering confidence in the future and grassroots strength of the Bangladesh Awami League (AL).
In an exclusive interview with Deutsche Welle, Joy stated unequivocally that the party which led Bangladesh’s Liberation War cannot be erased from the country’s political landscape. He argued that the absence of more than half of eligible voters at polling stations demonstrates continued public trust in the Awami League.
Boycott Reflects Public Sentiment
Challenging the Election Commission’s claim of a “free and fair” vote, Joy alleged that polling centers were occupied during the night and that an election without major opposition participation cannot be considered legitimate.
According to him, the significant voter turnout gap is not apathy but a political message. “This silence itself proves that people do not have confidence in the current process,” he said, adding, “The Awami League is not returning—it is already here.”
Sixteen Years of Development and Stability
Joy contrasted the past 18 months of political instability, economic slowdown, and law-and-order concerns with what he described as the Awami League’s “golden era” of governance over the previous 16 to 17 years.
He asserted that under AL leadership, Bangladesh witnessed unprecedented economic growth, infrastructure expansion, improved security, and a firm stance against extremism. “No future government will be able to surpass the development record achieved during our tenure,” he claimed, predicting that citizens would increasingly recognize the value of that period of stability.
Grassroots Resilience and Party Unity
Addressing concerns that several senior leaders are currently abroad, Joy agreed that the party’s grassroots activists remain deeply rooted and resilient. He alleged that thousands of leaders and activists have faced arrests, violence, and the burning of homes, yet remain loyal to the party.
Such adversity, he argued, demonstrates the organizational strength and unity of the Awami League. “Repression will not weaken us; it will make us stronger,” he suggested.
Call for Judicial Accountability
Responding to calls for the Awami League to apologize over post-July developments, Joy described such demands as one-sided. He questioned the logic of seeking an apology while, in his words, hundreds of party supporters have been killed and perpetrators granted indemnity.
He reiterated his support for forming a judicial committee to conduct impartial investigations into the violence, insisting that accountability must be even-handed.
No Personal Political Ambition
On the issue of his own political future or that of his family members, Joy dismissed any personal ambition. He emphasized that leadership decisions rest with the party’s democratic processes.
“The Awami League is a democratic party. The party will decide who leads,” he said.
Joy’s remarks are likely to boost morale among party activists at a time of heightened political tension. Even outside of power, his statements suggest that the Awami League remains a formidable and enduring force in Bangladesh’s politics.
