Bangladesh Interim Government Faces Legitimacy Crisis Following Hasina Verdict

Sajeeb Wazed, son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has openly challenged the legitimacy of Bangladesh’s interim government after a court issued a death sentence verdict against his mother. The unelected administration, led by Muhammad Yunus, has been in power for over a year without a popular mandate. Wazed argued that the government’s refusal to hold elections underscores its lack of public support, questioning the democratic credentials of the current leadership in Dhaka.

Wazed criticized the interim government for clinging to power despite minimal public backing. He highlighted that the Yunus-backed National Citizen Party polls at only two percent and stated that this lack of popular support undermines the government’s authority and decision-making. The political climate remains tense, with ongoing detentions contributing to growing unrest.

He also accused the administration of a significant foreign policy shift, noting its active pursuit of closer ties with China, a departure from Hasina’s balanced international approach. Wazed described his mother’s trial as politically motivated, pointing to the thousands of political prisoners reportedly held without trial. Sheikh Hasina, currently residing in India, was convicted in absentia for crimes against humanity linked to the government’s response to the July–August 2024 student-led protests, which the United Nations reported resulted in nearly 1,400 deaths.

The unfolding situation highlights a deep legitimacy crisis for Bangladesh’s interim government, raising critical questions about the nation’s democratic trajectory and the administration’s capacity to govern with public trust.