Amid the intense student-led mass upsurge, Sheikh Hasina, the leader of the erstwhile Awami League government, fled the country.

In her haste to escape the demonstrators, she was unable to take even extra clothing or basic necessities with her. Sheikh Hasina successfully made it to India with her younger sister Sheikh Rehana and a few close associates, using a military helicopter.

Since her departure, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who resides in the United States, has been speaking to various media outlets and sharing video messages on social media. However, his statements have been inconsistent, with each media outlet receiving a different account of the situation.

Initially, he asserted that his mother would not return to politics. The following day, he claimed that no member of the Sheikh family would re-enter politics. Just a day later, he contradicted himself by stating, "We are here."

The next day, he mentioned that Sheikh Hasina would be coming back to the country, though he did not clarify whether she would return to politics. Most recently, he indicated that she is ready to re-enter the political arena.

However, the most exclusive and somewhat sensational interview given by Joy was to the news agency Reuters, where he claimed that Hasina had not officially resigned as prime minister before fleeing to India this week. "My mother never officially resigned. She didn't have the time," Sajeeb Wazed told Reuters from Washington.

"She had intended to make a statement and submit her resignation, but then the protesters began marching on the prime minister's residence. There was no time left, and she wasn’t even packed. According to the constitution, she is still the prime minister of Bangladesh."

He also mentioned that although the president had dissolved parliament after consulting with military leaders and opposition figures, the formation of a caretaker government without a formal resignation from the prime minister "could be contested in court."

Joy also mentioned that he was heartened by a recent statement from Khaleda Zia, the leader of the main opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and an arch rival of Hasina, who called for avoiding revenge or vindictiveness following Hasina’s departure.

"I was very pleased to hear Mrs. Khaleda Zia’s call to let bygones be bygones," Wazed said. "Let's move past previous conflicts and not pursue a politics of vengeance. We will need to collaborate, whether it’s in a unity government or otherwise."

He expressed his willingness to work with the BNP to facilitate democratic elections in Bangladesh, restore democracy, and ensure a peaceful democratic process with free and fair elections in the future.

If we analyze the messages Joy aimed to convey in this interview, it becomes clear that it was a strategic move by the former prime minister’s son, rather than the inconsistent statements seen in his earlier interviews. Here is why…

1: Joy made a bold claim that his mother, Sheikh Hasina, did not formally resign before fleeing to Delhi. By questioning the validity of any resignation letter, Joy appears to be cornering the interim government. If the government produces the letter, Joy and other prominent Awami League figures may dismiss it as a forgery, potentially sparking a constitutional crisis. This strategy seems intended to challenge the legitimacy of the interim administration, undermining its authority and decisions.

2: Joy’s comment that the issue "can be challenged in court" seems strategically aimed at encouraging pro-Awami League lawyers and judges in the Supreme Court to take up the case. This could complicate matters for the interim government, intensifying the constitutional crisis. By doing so, Joy likely seeks to disrupt the interim government’s functionality, fostering conflict between the judiciary and the executive. (This may explain why the Supreme Court affirmed the validity of the interim government earlier on Friday)

3: As the crisis escalates, the interim government might feel pressured to declare a state of emergency to address the mounting legal and constitutional challenges. However, such a declaration would likely play into Joy’s strategy, allowing him and his allies to portray the military-backed interim administration as authoritarian—mirroring the regime his mother led. This portrayal could resonate with those disillusioned with the current government and galvanize support for Joy’s position.

4: Joy’s remarks might also be seen as an effort to encourage the BNP to push for early elections. By suggesting that his mother’s party would be open to serving in opposition, he signals to the BNP that they could gain power sooner if they back this agenda. After 17 years out of power, the BNP might find this prospect appealing. However, if the interim government does not carefully manage the BNP’s ambitions, it could unintentionally foster an unusual coalition between the BNP and the Awami League, potentially disrupting the political landscape in unforeseen ways.

5: This interview could signify Joy’s formal attempt to take over the leadership of the Awami League (BAL), a role he might feel increasingly obligated to pursue due to recent indications from Sohel Taj. Taj has suggested he is open to taking on a more significant role within the party. Historical context supports Taj, given his mother's leadership of the Awami League during its most challenging periods. Syeda Zohra Tajuddin eventually stepped aside for Sheikh Hasina upon her return from Delhi, a decision many now regret. Joy’s actions may be driven by a desire to preempt any shift in leadership towards Taj, thereby solidifying his own claim to the party's future.

6: The interview also seems to signal the start of a deliberate effort to revise Sheikh Hasina’s legacy. Without the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as proposed by US-based Bangladeshi journalist Nazmul Ahasan, which would detail the last three weeks and the preceding 15 years, Joy and his supporters might succeed in altering public perception. The Awami League’s propaganda machine has been notably effective over the years, and if unchecked, it could reshape the narrative to present the BAL as a victim rather than the instigator of recent events.

7: As a final maneuver, Joy might even contemplate returning to Bangladesh to test the current regime’s tolerance. Such a move would directly challenge the interim government, compelling them to demonstrate how far they are willing to go in dealing with him. This could either galvanize his supporters or reveal the limits of his influence, depending on how the government reacts.

Overall, this interview to Reuters seems more than just a personal statement; it is a strategic attempt to destabilize the current political landscape and establish himself as a key player in Bangladesh’s future.

By questioning the legitimacy of the interim government, provoking legal challenges, and potentially advocating for a state of emergency, Joy is engaging in a high-stakes game with significant potential consequences.

His readiness to ally with the BNP and his pursuit of leadership within the Awami League suggest he is gearing up for a prolonged power struggle. The response of the interim government and other political actors will determine whether Joy’s strategy succeeds or exacerbates the country's turmoil.

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Adil Mahmood is a former journalist