Washington, August 10 — Awami League President Sheikh Hasina did not officially resign before departing for India amidst the anti-discrimination student movement, her son Sajib Wazed Joy claimed in an interview with Reuters on Saturday.

"My mother never formally resigned," Joy stated from Washington. "She ran out of time as the agitators continued to advance towards the Prime Minister's residence. She didn't even have time to do laundry. According to the constitution, she is still the Prime Minister of Bangladesh."

Joy mentioned that Sheikh Hasina had intended to submit her resignation along with a statement, but the situation escalated too quickly. Despite the lack of formal resignation, Joy suggested that the formation of the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus as Chief Adviser, could potentially be challenged in court.

Joy also expressed a desire to see elections in Bangladesh within the next three months, stating, "I am confident that the Awami League will come to power. And if not, we will be the opposition party. Either way will be fine."

He emphasized the importance of moving beyond past conflicts, expressing his willingness to work with the BNP to restore democracy and ensure free and fair elections in Bangladesh. "We must work together to achieve a peaceful democracy," Joy said, highlighting the necessity of dialogue and compromise in politics.

Addressing the issue of accountability for the violence that has resulted in nearly 300 deaths during the ongoing movement, Joy defended his mother, stating that Sheikh Hasina had not ordered any violence against protesters. He acknowledged that while some government officials may have committed illegal acts, it does not mean that these actions were done under his mother's orders.

"Our government wants an immediate end to the violence," Joy remarked, adding that he had advised his mother to instruct the Chhatra League to avoid confrontations with students and that police officers who used excessive force had been dismissed.

Regarding his potential return to Bangladesh, Joy asserted, "I have not done anything illegal, so how can anyone stop me from coming back to the country? Awami League is not going anywhere. No one can wipe us out. Without our help and supporters, stable situation will not return in Bangladesh."