Exclusive Interview: Sajeeb Wazed Joy
Written by Sushanta Das Gupta
Monday, 16 July 2007
In an exclusive email interview with E-Bangladesh.org, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Bangladesh Awami League’s international lobbyist and son of Sheikh Hasina, has blasted the military-led interim government for persecuting his mother.
“In Bangladesh and outside, everyone, with the exception of a few corrupt leaders, is completely united behind Sheikh Hasina,” Joy wrote to Sushanta Das Gupta, Chief Editor at E-bangladesh.org. Excerpts.
E-Bangladesh: Why this arrest? What is the military backed interim government in Bangladesh trying to achieve by arresting Sheikh Hasina? Your take.
Sajeeb Wazed Joy: They have to remove her from the scene as she has spoken out repeatedly against this government’s misdeeds. As she is now the most popular figurehead left in the country, with her in the picture their plans cannot succeed. With her arrest, there is no one to challenge them and they can continue with their dictatorial regime indefinitely. That is their ultimate plan. A few generals and our caretaker have gotten ambitious. They want to stay in power indefinitely. In order to do that they have to remove all political opposition. Hence my mother’s arrest.
E-Bangladesh: What were your first thoughts after the arrest this morning?
Sajeeb Wazed Joy: We knew this was coming. We just were not sure when they would arrest her.
E-Bangladesh: Did you talk to her before the arrest?
Sajeeb Wazed Joy: I spoke to her about an hour before she was taken away. She reminded me of 1971 and that my grandfather had been arrested by the Pakistanis many times on false charges. Ultimately their conspiracy failed and so will this one. She told me not to be scared. I told her that I would do whatever it takes.
E-Bangladesh: What does this mean for the future of AL and the political future of the country?
Sajeeb Wazed Joy: For the AL nothing really changes. Today I have received phone calls from AL leaders and activists, as well as supporters and well wishers of my mother both in Bangladesh and outside and everyone, with the exception of a few corrupt leaders, is completely united behind Sheikh Hasina.
E-Bangladesh: Given the current situation, Sheikh Hasina imprisoned and military backed government consolidating power, are you going to take a more active role in politics now, join the fight for democracy?
Sajeeb Wazed Joy: I will do whatever it takes to stop their conspiracy. I will certainly go to Bangladesh. I am not sure as to the timeframe, but I have already initiated the fight for democracy in our country. Right now protests are going on worldwide against this regime. We will not stop until democracy is restored in Bangladesh.
No comments:
Post a Comment