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Published : 25 Feb 2026, 01:34 AM
Even at its quietest, the Awami League has never been absent from Bangladesh’s political consciousness.
Resented by some, missed by others, but never entirely erased from public life.
During the election, the party’s operations were frozen under interim measures; yet, the day after the polls, offices reopened across the country, sparking widespread debate.
The question lingers: are these moves directed by party leadership, or are activists spontaneously asserting themselves in a reshaped political landscape?
Nearly 18 months after the party was ousted and the Yunus interim government took power, Awami League activists are re-emerging -- quietly and purposefully.
From Prohibition to Reactivation
On May 10 last year, following a wave of protests, the interim government issued a formal ban on all activities of the Awami League and its allied organisations.
Party registration was suspended, effectively blocking participation in elections.
• The student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League, had been previously banned as a “terrorist organisation”.
• Subsequent attempts by leaders and activists to stage protests were sporadic and limited.
• Reopening offices or hoisting the national flag remained unseen until now.
The Yunus government formally stepped down after holding a parliamentary election and a public vote on Feb 12. Reports suggested that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Jamaat-led Islamic alliance sought to attract Awami League voters.
With a clear majority, the BNP formed the government, while Jamaat assumed opposition seats, achieving the largest non-BNP parliamentary presence in history with 68 seats.
Local Activism: Offices Reopen
Panchagarh: The morning after the BNP victory, on Feb 13, a sealed Awami League office in Sadar Upazila was reopened.
A 1-minute-35-second video circulating on Facebook shows the union office lock being removed in the presence of local BNP leader Abu Daud Pradhan.
The union Awami League’s Joint Secretary Kamruzzaman addressed party activists, saying: “At this first moment, Abu Daud Pradhan has freed our Chaklaha Union Awami League, the organisation close to our grassroots, allowing us to act once more.”
Thakurgaon: On Feb 15, Pirgonj Upazila Awami League office was reopened, flags hoisted, national anthem sung, and slogans raised by party workers.
This area falls under Thakurgaon-3, where BNP’s Md Zahidur Rahman defeated Jamaat’s candidate.
Barguna: On Feb 16, Betagi Upazila’s office saw Chhatra League and Jubo League activists cleaning the premises, offering prayers for Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina.
Chhatra League Secretary Sifat Sikdar said, “A democratically elected government is in place. Our party was not allowed to contest, but we hope political space under this government will be better than under an unelected regime. That is why we reopened our office.”
Similar reopenings occurred nationwide almost daily, though some offices faced immediate attempts at seizure or arson.
Spontaneity over Instruction
The Yunus government had barred all activities of the Awami League and its affiliates under allegations of “extrajudicial killings, abduction, inhumane torture, arson, terrorism, and crimes against humanity”.
• The prohibition came into effect May 10, formally gazetted May 12.
• Many offices were attacked, looted, or abandoned.
• Following the BNP victory, grassroots activists report that reopening was initiated independently, without direct orders from party leadership.
On Friday, Pabna district leaders of the Awami League gathered abruptly, entered the party office, and raised slogans.
Asked whether the move had instructions from higher command, Pabna district Chhatra League former publicity secretary Towsikur Rahman said: “We collectively discussed and agreed to reopen the office. It was a spontaneous initiative involving the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League members.
“We entered, hoisted the national flag, and paid tribute to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the martyrs of the Liberation War.”
Some offices immediately faced arson attempts, but rapid mobilisation of activists and protests on main streets prevented further escalation.
“Those who set fires were unknown individuals aiming to create panic. BNP and Jamaat leadership had no involvement,” Towsikur said.
Pabna-5, recently won by the BNP’s Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, saw police visit the homes of Chhatra League and Jubo League leaders multiple times, with arrests already made, though activists say they remain resolute.
• Madaripur: On Feb 17, Kalkini Upazila office reopened with cake-cutting and slogans led by student leaders.
• Gopalganj: In Kashiani, activists hoisted the national flag; videos circulated widely online.
Dhaka and Central Offices
Following the mass uprising, central Awami League offices across Gulistan and Dhanmondi, along with the Muktijuddho-era Sheikh Mujib residence-turned-museum, suffered arson and vandalism.
The Tejgaon office endured a similar fate.
• On Feb 14, a small group restored flags and paid homage outside the central office.
• On Feb 16, Jubo Mohila League activists placed flags and portraits at Dhanmondi 32, the former home of Sheikh Mujib, saying the political climate now allowed such activity.
Awami League Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim said, “After the interim government’s exit, activists feel a sense of relief. They believe a peaceful environment will return.
“They are visiting their offices, paying respects at historic party sites, and placing flowers and flags -- all spontaneously.”
Perspectives on Legality and Political Rights
Local BNP leaders have largely refrained from commenting, though they confirmed that some party activists had been arrested during searches.
A BNP student leader, speaking anonymously, said: “There was no party directive to open offices. Activists acted openly once the BNP formed the government.”
He said the party had no organisational directive opposing it.
BNP leaders say the issue will be addressed through legal channels.
Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, “The party was not in favour, but any action will be considered according to the law.”
Permanent Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan added, “We believe in multi-party democracy and parliamentary democracy. The BNP is a liberal party; we do politics inclusively and reject revenge politics.”
Immediate-past inspector general of police Baharul Alam instructed police to prevent prohibited parties from acting unlawfully, saying: “Any attempts to create disorder must be legally addressed.”
After months of prohibition, attacks, and political upheaval, the reopening of offices suggests that Awami League activists are testing the limits of political space under the new government.
Grassroots leaders describe the reopening of offices as both a practical step and a symbolic return to political activity, paying tribute to historical figures and party heritage.
The cautious yet determined activism signals that, while the era of “mob” violence may be over, the political life of Bangladesh remains charged, resilient, and deeply connected to its historical roots.
Whether this marks the beginning of a broader political reactivation remains an open question in Bangladesh’s shifting political landscape.
