Published : 07 Sep 2026, 10:54 PM
Updated : 16 Sep 2026, 11:48 AM
Awami League President Sheikh Hasina says senior Presidium Member Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim will serve as party president in her absence, ruling out her sister Sheikh Rehana for the role.
Hasina made the remarks in a telephone interview with Amal Sarkar, executive editor of Indian outlet The Wall.
“Sheikh Selim is now the senior-most Presidium member. He will serve as president in my absence,” the report quoted her as saying.
Hasina has been in India since leaving Bangladesh after the student-led uprising of Aug 5, 2024.
She was later sentenced to death in absentia by the International Crimes Tribunal on charges of crimes against humanity.
Speculation has persisted over the future leadership of the Awami League and who might take charge of the organisation in Hasina’s absence.
Asked whether Rehana could assume the role, Hasina said: “Rehana is not directly involved in politics.”
She instead named Selim, her cousin, as the senior figure who would take charge.
Some former Awami League ministers and senior leaders, however, told bdnews24.com they had reservations about the decision.
One said discussions held at meetings at Selim’s residence often became public quickly.
Another pointed to allegations previously raised against Selim, including claims of corruption and nepotism.
Selim’s eldest son Sheikh Fazle Fahim is married to Nancy Zahara, the sister of State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj.
His younger son Barrister Sheikh Fazle Naeem is married to Sarah Hasin Mahmud, daughter of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku.
Desire to Return, Security Fears
Hasina also reiterated that she wanted to return to Bangladesh and surrender before a tribunal in December.
But she said she had serious concerns about her safety.
“If I return, they can kill me at the airport,” she said.
Hasina also said she did not want to endanger others by instructing them to return.
“Everyone’s life is at risk. I don’t want to put anyone in danger by giving them orders to return home,” she said.
Militancy Warning
Hasina claimed that a “militant force” was gaining ground in Bangladesh and said the consequences would not be confined to the country.
“India will also have to pay the price for the rise of militancy in Bangladesh,” she said.
She also criticised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, saying: “Bargaining over Tarique Rahman’s visit to India is actually belittling one’s own country.”
Questions Over India
Hasina also questioned India’s position on Bangladesh’s election and Tarique’s return to the country.
“The Indian government can best say what it thought when it supported the Bangladesh elections and brought Tarique back,” she said.
At the same time, she stressed the importance of regional cooperation and ties based on mutual interests between the two neighbours.
“My heart bleeds when I see my country being destroyed,” Hasina said.
