Sajeeb Wazed Joy Visits Delhi to Meet Deposed Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Sajeeb Wazed Joy Visits Delhi to Meet Deposed Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
New Delhi | June 11, 2025

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of Bangladesh's deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is currently in India. Multiple sources within Indian security agencies and senior leaders of the Bangladesh Awami League currently residing in India have confirmed his presence.

According to sources, Joy arrived in New Delhi on Friday, June 6. The following day was Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant religious festivals for Muslims, which he celebrated with his mother. Although the visit has been described as a personal and family-related one, political analysts view it as significant—this marks Joy’s first meeting with his mother since the Awami League’s long-standing rule was brought to an end by the mass protests in July.

Passport Issues and Background of India Visit

Joy, who has been living in the United States for many years, previously used a Bangladeshi passport. However, the interim government in Bangladesh canceled his passport. He later obtained a U.S. green card and recently received his U.S. passport.

Discussions about his India visit began soon after he got his new passport. It was initially speculated that he would travel a few months later, but he expedited the trip and arrived last week. Upon arrival, he was taken from the airport under strict security to Sheikh Hasina’s undisclosed residence. Reportedly, Hasina's younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, is also staying there.

Tight Security Arrangements

According to Indian security agencies, Joy was not given an official VVIP protocol, but his arrival and stay were handled with utmost secrecy and security. The entire operation was conducted under an unprecedented level of protection.

Although Sheikh Hasina’s daughter, Saima Wazed Putul—currently serving as the WHO Regional Director for Southeast Asia—is also in Delhi, no credible information is available confirming whether the siblings have met.

Speculations on Political Discussions and Kolkata Visit

Sources close to the Awami League have said that Joy came mainly to spend family time with his mother. However, political discussions are also believed to have taken place. Joy is not expected to actively engage in party activities from India.

There were earlier rumors that he might visit Kolkata, where several former Awami League leaders, businessmen, lawyers, and ex-police officers currently reside. However, Indian security sources confirmed that there are no plans for such a visit during this trip.

Short-Term Stay in India

Sources indicate that Joy does not plan to stay in India for an extended period and may leave the country within the next few days.

Nonetheless, political analysts believe this visit is not purely personal. Given the current political landscape in Bangladesh, the activities of exiled Awami League leaders, and the historical ties between the Awami League and India, this trip carries important strategic implications.