Washington, October 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has accused the former US administration of helping engineer the protests that led to his mother’s removal from power in August 2024, alleging that American funding and diplomatic pressure contributed to the political upheaval.
Speaking at a press conference organised by the Center for US-Bangladesh Relations in Washington, Joy claimed that the Biden administration channelled money through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to support what he described as regime change.
“Of course, the Biden administration was heavily involved through USAID funding to the tune of $50 million for this regime change,” Joy said.
He also accused the National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute of helping organise and train groups that later participated in the protests. However, he did not present documentary evidence establishing that US government funding was intended to overthrow Hasina. The allegations have not been independently verified.
Joy further alleged that American diplomatic pressure influenced Bangladesh’s military leadership to install Muhammad Yunus as head of the interim administration following Hasina’s departure.
He also raised concerns about Bangladesh’s security environment, accusing the post-Hasina authorities of releasing convicted militants and allowing extremist groups to regain influence. He claimed that Pakistan-linked militant organisations, including individuals allegedly associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, had become more active. These claims were not independently substantiated in the supplied account.
On economic relations, Joy questioned Bangladesh’s ability to fulfil commercial commitments to American companies, citing contracts involving Boeing aircraft and energy supplier Excelerate Energy.
“They’ve signed a contract for 29 Boeings. The government of Bangladesh does not have the money to pay for them,” he said. He also alleged that US energy suppliers were not receiving full payments under existing arrangements.
Neither the companies nor the Bangladesh government had responded in the supplied account.
Ahmad Kaikaus, a former senior Bangladeshi official who served under Hasina, separately warned that political instability and weakening institutions could undermine investor confidence and economic development. He called on the United States and other international partners to encourage dialogue, due process and peaceful political competition.
Hasina’s government collapsed following mass protests in August 2024, after facing criticism over political repression, disputed elections and its handling of demonstrations.
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