Tarique leaves Joy, Putul’s political fate to public mandate

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has said the question of whether Sajeeb Wazed Joy and Saima Wazed Putul, children of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, can return to politics should ultimately be decided by the people.

Speaking in an interview with a Reuters journalist, Tarique was asked whether Hasina’s children would be free to come back from abroad and take part in political activities. In response, he said anyone has the right to engage in politics if they are accepted by voters.

“If someone is accepted by the people, if people welcome them, then anyone has the right to do politics,” he said, indicating that public support, rather than political barriers, should determine their future role.

The comments come as Bangladesh prepares for a crucial national election, with political alignments shifting after months of upheaval. Hasina’s Awami League remains barred from contesting the polls, leaving uncertainty over the party’s long-term leadership and the potential role of her family members in future political developments.

Several senior Awami League leaders and members of Hasina’s family were already abroad before her fall from power, while others left the country during the political transition. The fate of Joy and Putul has been a subject of debate among political observers, particularly over whether they might attempt a political comeback if circumstances change.

Tarique’s remarks signal a stance that frames the issue as a matter of democratic choice, even as tensions between rival political camps continue to shape the pre-election landscape.