Awami League statement: Arrest warrant against Sajeeb Wazed ‘purposeful, baseless and ridiculous’

BD Digest Desk

The Bangladesh Awami League has described the arrest warrant issued against Sajeeb Wazed Joy by the interim government-run tribunal as politically motivated, baseless and ridiculous.

This response was made in a statement released by the party.

The statement said that the ruling interim government is violating the jurisdiction for which the tribunal was established in 1973—to ensure justice for crimes against humanity committed during the liberation war.

According to the Awami League, the tribunal is being used as a tool to fulfill political vendetta.

The statement said that there is an attempt to use the institution of war crimes trials for other purposes to weaken the spirit of the liberation war and the state foundation of Bangladesh. The veracity of the allegations has not been independently verified.

The statement mentioned that Sajeeb Wazed Joy has worked for a long time in the development of the country’s technology and digital sectors as an unpaid advisor to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Information and Communication Technology. As a result of his leadership and policy advice, Bangladesh has achieved progress in the concept of ‘Digital Bangladesh’.

Regarding the issuance of an arrest warrant, the Awami League said that to take such action against a person, there must be a basis for the accusation and primary evidence, which is absent in this case.

The statement clarified that it was well-known that Sajeeb Wazed Joy was out of the country during the violent incidents of July-August. The charging and issuing of a warrant against him in that situation was described as “illegal and a violation of human rights.”

The statement further said that the Yunus government is using this case for political purposes. It is an attempt to weaken the Awami League leadership.

The Awami League says the people of Bangladesh reject this conspiracy.

At the end of the statement, the Awami League said that its political struggle will continue with the people against the sovereignty of the state, the spirit of the Liberation War, and any anti-democratic activities.