Sajeeb Wazed Joy alleges US role in Bangladesh regime change

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has alleged that the United States played a role in engineering the 2024 protests that led to his mother’s removal from power. Speaking at a press conference in Washington organized by the Center for US-Bangladesh Relations, Joy claimed the former Biden administration utilized $50 million in USAID funding to support activities contributing to the regime change.

Joy further accused the National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute of assisting in the organization and training of groups involved in the unrest. He also alleged that American diplomatic pressure on Bangladesh’s military leadership influenced the appointment of Muhammad Yunus to lead the interim government.

While making these claims, Joy did not provide documentary evidence to establish that US government funds were specifically intended to overthrow the government, and the allegations have not been independently verified. Additionally, Joy raised concerns regarding regional security, claiming that the current authorities have allowed extremist organizations and Pakistan-linked militant groups to regain influence in the country.