Hasina’s Son Accuses Biden Administration of Funding Bangladesh Unrest
Sajeeb Wazed, son of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has publicly accused the previous U.S. administration of spending “millions of dollars” through USAID to foment regime change in Bangladesh during the 2024 protests. He claimed that the unrest was not purely domestic, citing U.S. involvement in protest funding and strategy using terms such as “regime-change”. Wazed insisted the current U.S. posture has shifted and praised India’s role in protecting his mother.
Political Context and Additional Claims
The comments come as Bangladesh faces a death-sentence verdict against Hasina, who is in exile in India. Wazed thanked India and the Indian Prime Minister for providing refuge, stating militants had planned to kill her if she had stayed in Bangladesh. He rejected India’s extradition of Hasina, calling the trial politically motivated. Wazed also warned of worsening instability ahead of elections if his party, the Awami League, remains excluded from the process.
Diplomatic Fallout Potential
The allegations could strain U.S.–Bangladesh relations, especially since the U.S. has officially denied interference in Bangladesh’s political affairs. Bangladesh authorities say they will respond through diplomatic channels. Analysts say Wazed’s remarks may also aim to influence Indian and international perceptions ahead of Bangladesh’s election process and the wider geopolitical engagement of the region.
