Sheikh Hasina to return to Bangladesh when caretaker government announces elections, says son
Dhaka: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will return to her country once the newly formed caretaker government sets a date for elections, according to her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy. Hasina fled to India on Monday after weeks of violent protests led to her resignation.
A caretaker government, headed by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, was sworn in on Thursday, with the responsibility of overseeing the upcoming elections. Speaking to the Times of India, Joy, who is based in the US, stated, "For the time being, she (Hasina) is in India. She will go back to Bangladesh the moment the interim government decides to hold an election."
The Awami League, Hasina's party, is not part of the interim government. Her resignation came in the wake of a student-led uprising and nationwide violence that resulted in approximately 300 deaths and thousands of injuries.
Currently, Hasina is taking refuge in a safe house in the New Delhi area. Indian media reports suggest that she may seek asylum in Britain, although the British Home Office has not commented on the matter.
India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed on Thursday that he had discussions with his British counterpart regarding Bangladesh but did not disclose further details.
Joy also mentioned that he would consider entering politics if necessary, adding, "I am sure the Awami League will take part in the election, and we might even win."
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Won't contest bypolls until EC prevents fake voting: Mayawati
Lucknow (PTI): BSP chief Mayawati on Sunday alleged irregularities in voting in the recent Uttar Pradesh bypolls and said her party will not contest by-elections in future, particularly in the state, "until Election Commission takes measures to prevent fake voting".
By-elections to nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh were held on November 20 and results of it were declared on Saturday. Bahujan Samaj Party contested all nine seats but failed to win any.
"In the bypolls held for nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, there is widespread discussion about the votes cast and the results announced yesterday. I am not saying this myself; it is a common perception among people that earlier, during elections conducted with ballot papers, fake votes were cast by misusing the system, often through fraud," Mayawati said in a press conference here.
"Now, similar practices are being carried out using EVMs, which is a matter of deep sorrow and concern for democracy," the former UP chief minister said.
Not only this, but these activities are now being executed more openly, especially during by-elections, as opposed to general elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, she claimed.
"We recently witnessed this in the Uttar Pradesh bypolls. Similar concerns have also been raised regarding the recent general elections in Maharashtra. This is a major warning bell for democracy in our country," she said.
"Given this situation, our party has decided that until the Election Commission of India takes strict measures to prevent fake voting, we will not participate in any by-elections across the country, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. I am specifically referring to by-elections here," Mayawati said.
As far as general elections are concerned, she continued, there is a somewhat better safeguard because the fear of power changing hands makes the ruling party more cautious.
"In general elections, it is not guaranteed that the party in power will return to power and another party may take over. This fear keeps the government machinery somewhat restrained," she added.
Considering all these factors, our party will contest general elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies with full preparation and strength, Mayawati stressed.
In the bypolls, the BJP and its ally RLD together won seven seats while Samajwadi Party candidates emerged victorious on two.
