On this momentous occasion, we pay tribute to Sajeeb Wazed Joy, a transformative leader whose courage, intellect, and vision embody the indomitable spirit of his grandfather, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the revered Father of the Nation.
As the son of Awami League President and five-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the distinguished nuclear scientist Dr. M.A. Wazed Miah, Joy has emerged as a beacon of progress, steering Bangladesh toward the ambitious dream of โDigital Bangladesh.โ
Despite facing challenges and conspiracies, his unwavering commitment to his nationโs advancement, even amidst personal and political adversities, marks him as a leader of extraordinary resilience and purpose.
Today, Bangladesh is celebrating his birthday to honour his pivotal role in shaping Bangladeshโs future and his relentless fight to restore justice and democracy in a time of crisis.
Born in 1971, the year Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation through the sacrifices of millions, Joyโs life has been inextricably linked to his countryโs destiny. His nickname was taken from the greatest slogan of the Liberation War, โJoy Bangla.โ
His sister, Saima Wazed, is a recognised expert in neurodevelopmental disorders and mental health, particularly within the context of Southeast Asia. She took office as WHO Regional Director for the South-East Asia Region on 1 February 2024 for a five-year term. In this role, she will direct international health work in 11 countries with a population of over 2 billion people.
Hailing from Bangladeshโs most illustrious political family, Joy chose a path distinct from conventional politics, focusing on technological innovation and strategic vision to fulfill the Awami Leagueโs electoral pledge of a digitally empowered nation.
As the mastermind behind the partyโs Vision 2021 manifesto, Joy crafted a roadmap that propelled the Awami League to historic electoral victories in 2008, 2014, 2018, and 2024, according to media reports. His foresight transformed Bangladesh into a burgeoning digital hub, fostering economic growth and global connectivity, and cementing his legacy as a pioneer of modern governance.
Joyโs academic journey reflects his dedication to excellence. A graduate in computer engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington, he further honed his expertise with a masterโs in public administration from Harvard Universityโs Kennedy School of Government.
His education began under challenging circumstances; after the tragic assassination of his grandparents, including Bangabandhu, and several uncles and aunts in August 1975 by disgruntled military officers, Joy, his mother, father, and aunt were abroad, narrowly escaping the tragedy.
Barred from returning to Bangladesh by the military regime until 1981, he pursued his early education at prestigious institutions like St. Josephโs College in Nainital and Kodaikanal International School in Tamil Nadu, India, before studying computer science at the University of Bangalore. This global exposure shaped his worldview, blending technical expertise with a deep commitment to public service.
The assassination of Bangabandhu and the subsequent exile profoundly influenced Joyโs resolve. When his mother, Sheikh Hasina, returned to Bangladesh in 1981 and assumed the presidency of the Awami League, she led a relentless campaign to restore democracy.
Joy, inspired by her resilience, supported her efforts while carving his own path. During the dark chapter of the caretaker government, when Sheikh Hasina was unjustly imprisoned on fabricated chargesโlater proven baselessโJoy emerged as a global advocate for justice.
Launching campaigns across the United States and Europe, he brought international attention to his motherโs plight and the broader erosion of democracy in Bangladesh. His tireless efforts pressured the military-backed regime to release Sheikh Hasina, paving the way for her leadership of three consecutive governments following landslide victories in 2008, 2014, 2018, and 2024.
Joyโs strategic interventions underscored his ability to bridge local struggles with global advocacy, ensuring Bangladeshโs democratic aspirations remained in the global spotlight.
The fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, through a meticulously orchestrated jihadist-military coup, marked a new chapter of adversity for Joy and his party. The Yunus-led interim regime has unleashed a wave of persecution against Awami League leaders and activists, dismantling the partyโs organisational structure and forcing many, including Sheikh Hasina, into exile in India, while others seek refuge in Europe and America.
Amid this crisis, Joy has risen as a unifying force, vocal in his condemnation of the regimeโs injustices and inspiring party cadres to resist oppression. After the regime revoked his passport, Joy took citizenship of the US.
He lives in Virginia and is known as an IT entrepreneur.
Drawing parallels to his motherโs leadership in 1981, when she rebuilt the Awami League from exile after Bangabandhuโs assassination, Joy is now spearheading efforts to reorganise the party during its darkest hour.
Party sources indicate that he is rallying a new generation of young leaders alongside seasoned veterans, with plans to announce a revitalised leadership committee soon, signaling a renewed fight for democratic restoration.
Joyโs leadership mirrors the qualities of Bangabandhuโcourage, vision, and an unyielding commitment to the people. His character, forged through personal loss and political turmoil, reflects a deep sense of duty to Bangladeshโs 170 million citizens.
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Despite the interim regimeโs repression, including the weaponisation of the judiciary and Anti-Corruption Commission to target Awami League supporters, Joy remains a symbol of hope. His efforts to reorganise the party echo the resilience of his grandfather, who laid the foundation for an independent Bangladesh, and his mother, who restored the Awami Leagueโs prominence after decades of struggle.
As we celebrate Joyโs birthday, we honour a leader whose contributions transcend politics. His vision of โDigital Bangladeshโ has empowered millions, while his current struggle against authoritarianism reaffirms his dedication to democracy.
In this moment of national crisis, Joy stands as a third-generation torchbearer of the Bangabandhu legacy, galvanising a movement to reclaim Bangladeshโs democratic soul. Let us salute his courage and resolve, confident that his leadership will guide the nation toward a brighter, more just future.
Joy challenges Yunus
Recently, Joy slammed the Yunus-led administration for trying to divert attention from its misdeeds and mass protests by having the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) make false claims against him.
In a post on X, he also asked the ACC to seize his property if it could, saying: โI challenge them to come do it. My lawyers will be waiting to sue ACCโs Momen in US courts.โ
He also detailed his list of assets in the US and said he has earned money legally as an IT entrepreneur and paid taxes accordingly.
Earlier, Joyโs cousin and former UK minister, Tulip Siddiq, challenged Yunus and the ACC to prove the politically motivated allegations brought against her.
Since August, the ACC has filed several cases accusing Sheikh Hasina and her family members, which she has binned as false and fabricated.
On X, Joy said: โI donโt own two homes in Virginia. I own one. It was purchased in 2018, not last year. Last year the name on the title was changed to just me as my divorce was finalised. The other house was my previous one, which was sold and the money was used to buy this one. The value of my own house has also increased $1.5 million or Tk18 crore since I purchased it. I paid much less than the current price.โ
He added that the FBI had already investigated him and found nothing. โThat is how I got my US citizenship so quickly after the Yunus dictatorship cancelled my Bangladesh passport.โ
He also censured the ACC for publishing his address and putting him under threat.
โHere is another reality about America. We have the right to own as many guns and keep as much ammunition as we want. There is no limit. So, it does not scare me. I am very capable of defending myself. My house is not #32. There is nothing the Yunus regime can do to me.โ
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