The daughter of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh's ousted prime minister, has broken her silence for the first time since her mother resigned and fled the country following violent protests.
Hasina's 51-year-old daughter Saima Wazed, who is also the World Health Organization (WHO) regional director for South-East Asia, took to social media to reveal that she is “heartbroken” at not being able to meet her 76-year-old mother since her resignation.
Wazed also expressed grief over the more than 400 deaths in Bangladesh as a result of violent protests over the country's labour quota system.
She stressed her commitment to her role as WHO regional director amid her mother's plight.
In a post on X, she wrote: “I am heartbroken by the loss of life in my country that I love. I am deeply heartbroken that I will not be able to see or hug my mother during this difficult time. I remain committed to my role as RD @WHOSEARO.”
Hasina arrived in India on Monday evening and was taken to a safe house.
Although he was supposed to be heading to the UK, his travel plans fell through when he encountered difficulties in applying for asylum in the country, as British immigration rules do not allow people to travel to the country to seek asylum or temporary refuge.
Meanwhile, New Delhi said it was ready to host the Awami League leader “for as long as necessary”.
In a recent interview with Canadian National TelevisionHaisna's son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, has denied reports that his mother had sought asylum in the UK, saying they were “incorrect”.
“She has not applied for asylum anywhere, so the question of whether the UK or the US have not responded yet is not true. My mother was planning to retire after this period anyway. She is done with politics in Bangladesh,” he said.
In addition, following ongoing unrest in the country, President Mohammed Shahabuddin announced on Tuesday that Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus will lead the new interim government, a key demand of the student protesters.
Yunus, 84, will be sworn in on Thursday and has urged the country's residents to remain calm and avoid violence.
