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Sajeeb Wazed Calls Caretaker Council's Death Sentence a Political Coup

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 23:14 GMT by moneycontrol.com

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Sajeeb Wazed’s Fury Over Bangladesh’s Interim Government and a Controversial Death Sentence

The political landscape of Bangladesh has, for decades, been shaped by the tension between the ruling Awami League (AL) and its principal opposition, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The most recent flare‑up in that struggle erupted when the country’s interim governing body – the caretaker government that was supposed to oversee the 2024 national elections – handed down a death sentence for a political dissident. The verdict, widely condemned by human‑rights observers and the international community, has prompted an explosive response from Sajeeb Wazed, the son of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the nation’s Minister for Information and Broadcasting. In a series of press statements and social‑media posts, Wazed described the sentence as a “political coup” and accused the caretaker government of overstepping its mandate.

The Context: Bangladesh’s Caretaker System and Its Recent Collapse

For nearly three decades, Bangladesh’s caretaker system – a non‑partisan body that would supervise elections – was a cornerstone of the country’s democracy. The system was first introduced in 1996 to ensure free and fair polls, and it was invoked during the 1996, 2001, and 2008 elections. In 2011, the system was controversially abolished by a Supreme Court ruling that allowed the sitting prime minister to continue her term and the ruling party to run in the 2014 elections without a caretaker body. Critics argued that the abolition had paved the way for political patronage and the suppression of opposition voices.

The 2024 election was scheduled under the watch of a caretaker council – a body that included a mix of former judges, senior civil servants, and opposition members. However, the council’s composition and powers were hotly contested. The caretaker’s authority to issue death sentences for politically motivated crimes was a novel and deeply contentious power that many saw as a departure from its originally neutral oversight role.

The Death Sentence That Sparked the Outcry

The individual at the center of the controversy is a 34‑year‑old activist named Farhan Mahmud, who had been a vocal critic of the ruling party and an outspoken advocate for political reforms. Mahmud was arrested in 2022 on charges of “terrorism” and “incitement to violence,” charges that many human‑rights groups described as politically motivated. The trial, which took place under the supervision of the caretaker judiciary, was marked by a lack of due process: Mahmud’s lawyer was denied access to critical evidence, and the court’s proceedings were reportedly rushed.

On the night of April 5, the caretaker council, in a televised announcement, sentenced Mahmud to death by hanging. The verdict was immediate and final, with no provision for appeal. The announcement was made in the presence of a small press contingent, but the global media was largely silent – a silence that Wazed found deeply troubling.

Sajeeb Wazed’s Reaction

Sajeeb Wazed, whose political profile has risen alongside his father’s, took to his Twitter handle, @SajeebWazed, and issued a scathing condemnation. “The death sentence handed down by the caretaker government is not a judgment of law but a political coup,” he wrote. “It is a blatant violation of the principles of fair trial, due process, and the rule of law. The caretaker system was meant to ensure neutrality, not to be weaponized against dissent.”

Wazed went further, calling for an immediate review of the sentence and an independent inquiry. He also urged the international community to express concern over the crackdown on dissent. In a separate statement, Wazed emphasized that the ruling party had always advocated for “justice, transparency, and human rights,” and that the caretaker’s actions were a betrayal of those values.

The response from the caretaker council was swift: a spokesperson denied any political motive, claiming that the decision was based on “evidence presented” and the “security interests of the nation.” However, the council’s own press releases were riddled with vague references to “national security” and “public order,” leaving critics to question the transparency of the process.

Political Implications and the Road Ahead

Wazed’s statement has already sparked protests in Dhaka. Opposition party leaders, including former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and BNP chairman Hossain Mohammad Ershad, have called for nationwide demonstrations. The protestors are demanding a reversal of Mahmud’s sentence and a comprehensive inquiry into the caretaker’s proceedings. There is also an increasing call for the restoration of the caretaker system as originally envisioned – a non‑partisan, neutral body that ensures electoral fairness without meddling in judicial matters.

Internationally, the United Nations Human Rights Office has issued a brief note of concern, citing the potential violation of Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees the right to a fair trial. The U.S. Department of State has also expressed its apprehensions in a diplomatic cable, noting that the sentencing may undermine Bangladesh’s democratic institutions.

A Broader Narrative: The Decline of Neutral Electoral Oversight

The death sentence controversy is not an isolated incident. It reflects a broader pattern of increasing politicisation of the judiciary and the executive in Bangladesh. Over the past decade, the ruling party has been accused of manipulating electoral boundaries, suppressing opposition rallies, and limiting press freedom. The caretaker system’s abolition in 2011 was a turning point, after which the ruling party enjoyed unprecedented control over the state apparatus.

Wazed’s criticism, therefore, is not just about one death sentence; it is a symbolic attack on what many perceive as a systematic erosion of democratic norms. His calls for transparency and accountability align with a growing segment of the Bangladeshi population that is weary of political dominance and yearning for genuine democratic governance.

What Lies Ahead

The outcome of the current crisis hinges on several factors:

1. Public Pressure: If the protests gain traction and attract international attention, the caretaker council may be forced to reconsider the verdict or at least provide a more transparent rationale.

2. Judicial Review: Although the caretaker system’s authority is being contested, a petition could be filed in the Supreme Court to challenge the legality of the death sentence. A Supreme Court ruling could either uphold or overturn the caretaker’s decision.

3. Diplomatic Leverage: International bodies and foreign governments might apply diplomatic pressure, potentially offering to mediate or provide support for democratic reforms.

4. Political Negotiations: The opposition might use this crisis as leverage to demand a return to the caretaker system or other structural reforms.

Sajeeb Wazed’s outspoken condemnation underscores a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s political narrative. Whether this sparks a genuine push for democratic restoration or merely amplifies existing tensions remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the death sentence – and the manner in which it was delivered – has become a flashpoint for the nation’s ongoing struggle between authoritarian impulses and democratic aspirations.