An undisclosed settlement agreement regarding the divorce of Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has surfaced. It reveals detailed accounts of multi-million-dollar financial transactions, corporate share transfers, and associations with one of the country’s leading telecom companies.
The agreement signed with Joy’s ex-wife, Christine Wazed, outlines long-term spousal support commitments, the distribution of business interests in two entities—Digicon Technologies and Fintech Solutions—and a trust structure linked to potential proceeds from Summit Communications Limited.
Pages 13 to 15 of the 22-page legal document detail the post-divorce division of business interests and spousal support obligations.
In early 2025, Joy publicly acknowledged on his verified Facebook profile that they had separated nearly three years prior to their official divorce.
One of the key clauses of the agreement addresses Digicon Technologies Limited and Fintech Solutions Limited, stating that “as soon as practicable” after the agreement takes effect, Joy will transfer 50 percent of his shares in both entities to Christine Wazed.
The document explicitly prohibits Joy from selling or transferring his shares to a third party before Christine receives her entitled portion. Once the transfer is complete, both parties will become sole owners of the shares registered under their respective names and will individually bear all liabilities, taxes, and expenses related to those shares.
The agreement further states that post-settlement, both parties will independently enjoy any income, equity, or asset value generated from their respective business entities.
Another crucial section of the agreement addresses Summit Communications Limited, one of Bangladesh’s largest telecommunications infrastructure companies.
The settlement document notes that Summit Communications began operations in 2009, and “solely for the purposes of this agreement,” Joy acknowledged that the company had a connection to marital assets.
The document reveals that the owners of Summit Communications had attempted to sell the company, and Joy expected to receive cash or shares in exchange for his involvement and efforts with the entity.
According to the agreement, both parties agreed to establish a trust for the benefit of their daughter, Sophia. Thirty percent of any “net payment” received by Joy from the sale or ownership interest of Summit Communications will be deposited into this trust. This obligation also applies to funds received from any entity, trust, or business owned or established by Joy.
Curt Gruel has been named as the appointed trustee, with Joy and Christine serving as alternate trustees. The funds in the trust will be used for Sophia’s health, education, maintenance, and support.
The agreement provides a specific definition of the phrase “subject to receipt.” It clarifies that the obligation to transfer 30 percent to the trust becomes effective only after Joy actually receives the funds from Summit Communications.
The agreement also specifies that the transfer must be made in the exact form in which the proceeds are received—whether as cash, shares, or any other form. If shares are received instead of cash, 30 percent of those shares must be transferred to Sophia’s trust as soon as practicable after receipt. If the trust is not yet formed at the time of transfer, the shares must be transferred directly into Sophia’s name. The cost of establishing the trust will be shared equally by both parties.
Beyond corporate assets, the agreement imposes significant personal financial liabilities on Joy. Under the “Monetary Award” clause, Joy must pay Christine a tax-free lump sum of one million US dollars (BDT 122,938,200) by June 1, 2025.
Additionally, starting July 1, 2024, Joy is required to pay $20,000 USD (BDT 2,458,764) per month in spousal support on the first day of each month, continuing until December 31, 2034. Over this full term, the total support will exceed $2.5 million USD (approximately BDT 307,159,375).
The agreement explicitly states that the amount and duration of spousal support are “non-modifiable.”
However, spousal support will terminate upon the death of either party, Christine Wazed’s remarriage, or her cohabitation with someone in a marriage-like relationship for a period of one year or more.
Additionally, in accordance with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s child support guidelines, Joy will pay $3,400 USD (BDT 417,989) per month for Sophia’s support.
Child support may continue beyond the age of 18 if the child is a full-time high school student and remains dependent on the supporting parent. Support may also continue if the child has a severe and permanent physical or mental disability that originated prior to reaching age 18.
The disclosure of this settlement agreement comes amid widespread criticism regarding Joy’s foreign assets and financial transactions. The Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is currently investigating allegations concerning assets, luxury vehicles, and potential money laundering involving Joy and related individuals in the United States.
However, Joy has completely denied these allegations, dismissing them as politically motivated.
