As Bangladesh marks one year since the violent July 2024 protests, Sajeeb Wazed, son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, warned that democracy, sovereignty, and civil rights are under threat under the current caretaker government.

Reflecting on last year’s student-led unrest that led to Hasina’s abrupt ousting, Wazed said many people now regret participating in a movement they were “misled” into joining. The mass protests, sparked by demands to reform the government job quota system, were followed by months of chaos and Hasina’s unceremonious exit in August.

“Recognising a mistake is not weakness — it is the beginning of courage,” Wazed said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He claimed the July–August 2024 riots were fueled by foreign funds and extremist influences. “Even professionals who served the country were caught in a web of misinformation,” he added.

Bangladesh is currently governed by a caretaker regime led by Muhammad Yunus, with general elections scheduled for 2026. Wazed criticized the current administration as “an authoritarian regime without public mandate” and called on all citizens to unite beyond political lines to “save Bangladesh from authoritarian rule.”

Despite the turmoil, Wazed emphasized that the Awami League does not seek revenge, stating, “We believe in forgiveness and building the future, inspired by the ideals of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.”

In a significant development, the International Crimes Tribunal has charged former Prime Minister Hasina and two others with crimes against humanity, with the first hearing scheduled for July 1.

Wazed urged unity and action: “Now is the time to act for the country. Now is the time to stand with the people.”