Since May 17, 1981, Sheikh Hasina has been serving as the president of the Awami League for more than 40 consecutive years. Although she has never publicly announced any succession plan, recent political realities and her advancing age appear to be pushing her toward considering leadership transition.
Succession Idea
According to BBC Bangla, Sheikh Hasina has plans to bring her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed Putul into the party’s top leadership. In addition, Sheikh Rehana’s son Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby is also expected to play an important role.
Analysts say this model resembles that of India’s Congress Party, where Sonia Gandhi’s children stepped into leadership in her absence. Sheikh Hasina reportedly wants to ensure a safe transition of Awami League leadership through her children and close family members.
Saima Wazed’s Political Entry
After being placed on indefinite leave from her post as WHO’s Regional Director, Saima Wazed has become increasingly active in politics. While staying with her mother in Delhi, she assists in drafting speeches, planning programs, and supporting key party meetings. According to BBC Bangla, Saima mainly works on preparing speeches online and maintaining contact with foreign guests.
Roles of Joy and Bobby
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who is a U.S. citizen and permanent resident, acts as a chief spokesperson abroad and represents the party’s position internationally. Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby is also reportedly overseeing some important party activities.
Party’s Internal Position
No central leaders have publicly commented on the succession issue. However, former State Minister for Information Mohammad Arafat told BBC Bangla that the party’s current priority is the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh. Even so, his remarks hinted that Sheikh Hasina’s children are gradually taking on significant responsibilities.
Obaidul Quader’s Waning Influence
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader seems to have lost relative influence under this emerging structure. Instead, three leaders currently based in Kolkata—Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim, and Jahangir Kabir Nanak—are playing crucial roles in the party’s daily operations.
Rahul-Priyanka Model
According to BBC Bangla, Sheikh Hasina appears to be following the Congress Party’s “Rahul-Priyanka” model. In India, Sonia Gandhi stepped back due to age, allowing her children to take the lead. Similarly, Sheikh Hasina is bringing her children and close family members to the forefront.
- Rahul Gandhi: the main face of leadership
- Priyanka Gandhi: key associate, but never replaced her brother’s position
The Hasina and Gandhi families have long maintained close ties. During her 2023 state visit to India, Sheikh Hasina met with Rahul Gandhi and discussed his “Bharat Jodo Yatra” in detail.
Crisis within the Party
At more than 76 years old, the Awami League is facing one of the biggest crises in its history. With many senior leaders now living abroad, the core responsibility of leadership has shifted to Sheikh Hasina’s family.
According to BBC Bangla’s findings, although this succession plan remains unofficial, Sheikh Hasina’s children and family members are steadily moving to the center of party leadership. Their roles in controlling party activities, shaping narratives in international media, and managing programs are expanding rapidly.
LND/SAE
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