Dhaka, February 25: The Awami League in Bangladesh is showing signs of renewed activity. Recently, grassroots leaders and party workers have reopened offices in several districts, hoisted national and party flags, and put up posters and banners. Reports indicate that these activities have faced no restrictions.
Bangladeshi researcher and journalist Purnima Chauhan, writing for the international magazine The Diplomat, stated that these actions are not mere formalities. They signify a strong political presence and convey a “psychological message” to party workers that the party is on the path to revival.
The Awami League, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, ruled Bangladesh for over 15 years but faced numerous challenges after being ousted from power on August 5, 2024. An interim government led by Mohammad Yunus imposed a ban on the party and prevented it from participating in the national elections held on February 12.
In addition to the ban, there have been mass arrests and legal actions against party leaders and workers. Neither Sheikh Hasina nor her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, seen as her potential successor, are currently in the country. Other leaders are either hiding in Bangladesh or living abroad, making the reorganization of the party a significant challenge.
The report raises the question of whether the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government will allow the Awami League to re-enter mainstream politics. Notably, in some constituencies, Awami League leaders and workers supported BNP candidates in the national elections, establishing a form of contact between the two parties. Some BNP-supported MPs have also expressed support for the Awami League’s return to politics.
The biggest question now is whether the Awami League is merely trying to survive or is preparing for a political comeback. Pre-election surveys suggest that if the party contests elections, it could perform satisfactorily, indicating that its existential crisis may not be as severe as previously thought.
However, if the party aims for a strong return, symbolic actions will not suffice. A solid action plan, people-oriented policies, youth involvement, and clarity in leadership are essential. The report emphasizes that without concrete programs, confusion may arise, speculation about alternative leadership could increase, and fears of fragmentation may emerge.
Recent activities do not clarify whether the Awami League is strategically securing itself or genuinely preparing for a comeback. Nonetheless, it is evident that a new political churn has begun in Bangladesh, with Sajeeb Wazed Joy appearing to be at the center of this process.
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