Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina is set to take oath as the prime minister of the country on Thursday, after being re-elected in the recently concluded polls. It will be her fifth term as the PM of Bangladesh. She head the ruling Awami League party secure nearly three-quarters of elected seats in the parliament, winning the mandate to form the government.
Hasina is one of the most popular politicians in Bangladesh. However, opposition parties in the country have called her autocratic and had boycotted the recent elections.
Currently, 76-year-old Hasina is playing last innings of her political career. And experts have been speculating about her suitable successors in future. News agency AFP interacted with several leaders of Awami League about the party’s plans about her successors.
“Discussing the issue of successor is something,she avoids ,” said one mid-ranking party leader, who works in the league’s international wing.
In talk with AFP, Pierre Prakash of the International Crisis Group believes that there is a shortage of capable younger leaders in the Awami League who can succeed Hasina. Prakash opined that Hasina’s “firm control over the party’s decision-making” held back the rise of such leaders.
Let’s take a look at Hasina’s close family members whom experts believe might take over once she steps down from active politics.
Hasina’s eldest son
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the eldest son of Bangladesh PM , he has assisted his mother in governance despite living abroad. He served as a digital adviser and helped in the expansion of internet services in Bangladesh.
Joy is often appears on the Awami League’s campaign posters alongside Hasina’s pictures. However, a senior Awami League politician has said that Joy never interested in pursuing a political career.
Hasina’s sister
Sheikh Rehana, Hasina’s younger sister has often joined rallies and political campaigns with the Bangladeshi leader. Hasina has also taken her sister on official visits abroad where Rehana attended meetings with foreign leaders.
Rehana’s “experience and influence within the power corridors of Dhaka” position her a credible successor, Avinash Paliwal of the School of Oriental and African Studies in London told AFP.
Hasina’s daughter
Saima Wazed , Hasina’s daughter who has often accompanied her mother’s diplomatic tours. 51-year-old Wazed could gain popularity among young Bangladeshis over time, believes Paliwal.
