The party says it remained silent for months for the "safety of its leaders and activists." Now, it plans to "fight back" and return to the streets
Published : 01 Feb 2025, 05:43 AM
Since losing power, many top leaders, including the Awami League chief, have left the country, while those who remain are in hiding.
Dozens of cases have been filed against party members, with immediate remand upon arrest. The party’s student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League, has also been declared a "banned organisation."
In the changed reality, Awami League’s announcement of returning to street politics has raised questions about how feasible this will be.
The political forces involved in the July-August uprising have already said they will prevent Awami League's programmes.
Breaking six months of silence, the deposed ruling party claims it was "quiet" for the sake of its members' safety. Now, it says it is time to stand up and take action.
The party announced its programme last Tuesday via its official Facebook page, listing 10 demands, including the resignation of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
From Feb 1 to 18, Awami League has planned five types of protests:
• Feb 1-5: Leaflet distribution
• Feb 6: Protest marches and rallies
• Feb 10: Demonstration marches and rallies
• Febr 16: Blockades
• Feb 18: Nationwide dawn-to-dusk general strike
‘WE HAD TO PRIORITISE SAFETY’
Speaking to bdnews24.com over the phone, Organising Secretary Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel said: "We took this time to ensure the safety of our leaders and activists. We have already suffered significant losses—we cannot afford more."
Criticising the interim government, he added: "How long will we remain silent? One after another, killings, torture, and oppression continue. They keep manufacturing new crises. We have no choice but to stand up."
"Our movement and struggle will continue through democratic means until this illegitimate government falls."
The government has declared that Awami League will not be allowed to hold any political programmes.
At a press briefing on Wednesday, Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said:
"One of the deadliest massacres in Bangladesh’s history just took place. Children were murdered before our very eyes. Hundreds have been blinded."
"Until [AL apologise], until their leadership is brought to trial, until they submit to justice and are held accountable—they will not be allowed to protest. They must face justice first."
AL HAS NO POLITICAL LEGITIMACY
Information and Broadcasting Advisor Nahid Islam also dismissed Awami League’s right to engage in politics.
Speaking to journalists in Dhaka on Thursday, he said: "Personally, I believe, and even the students have said—after 15 years of fascism and the genocide in July, Awami League has lost the right to do politics."
"There is no place for Awami League in Bangladesh’s political landscape under its current banner—that is what we believe."
However, while rallies have been announced, Awami League has yet to disclose their exact locations and timings.
Meanwhile, ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina is not only facing multiple murder charges but is also being tried in the International Crimes Tribunal for "genocide"—the same tribunal her government had set up to prosecute war crimes from the Liberation War.
Despite governing Bangladesh for a little over 15 years, Awami League had announced political programmes as recently as November, but its presence on the ground was minimal.
However, some party leaders believe this time, the people will join their movement to demand their rights.
Speaking over the phone, Relief and Disaster Management Secretary Aminul Islam said:
"Soaring prices, the unprecedented deterioration of law and order—people are fed up."
"People want freedom from this illegitimate government. We are compelled to launch this movement to stand by them and protect their rights."
He added, "Awami League is a party of the masses. This programme is for the people and their demands. It is the common people who will enforce our strikes and blockades."
On Nov 10, Awami League had planned a protest march and tribute event in Dhaka to mark Nur Hossain Day.
However, BNP, its allies, and leaders of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement took positions at Gulistan’s Zero Point and in front of Awami League’s central office to block their rally.
Amid the resistance, Awami League activists attempted flash marches in Motijheel, the National Press Club area, and near Nagar Bhaban or City Hall.
Yet, several party members were beaten up right outside their own headquarters.
LAW ENFORCEMENT SEES NO IMMEDIATE THREAT
Despite political tensions, security forces do not perceive any major risks surrounding Awami League’s latest programme.
Speaking to journalists in Dhaka on Friday, DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali said: "This is the world of media. Various programmes are being announced from different places, and we are handling them as they come."
"Video statements, media-driven programmes—they can announce whatever they want. We have already arrested several leaders of the banned Chhatra League. If they attempt anything, we will take action. But at the moment, we see no immediate threat."