Dhaka is buzzing with fresh political activity as the Awami League, once Bangladesh’s dominant force, makes bold moves to reclaim its space. In districts across the country, grassroots leaders and loyal workers have swung open party offices, hoisted national and party flags, and plastered posters and banners everywhere. Remarkably, no authorities have stepped in to halt these efforts, hinting at a shifting landscape.
Bangladeshi researcher and journalist Purnima Chauhan, writing in The Diplomat, argues these aren’t mere formalities. They signal the party’s enduring political muscle and deliver a vital psychological boost to supporters, assuring them that revival is underway. After ruling for over 15 years under Sheikh Hasina, the Awami League was ousted on August 5, 2024, facing a barrage of challenges.
The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus slapped a ban on the party in May 2025 and barred it from the February 12 national elections. Leaders faced mass arrests and legal cases, with Hasina and her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy—seen as her heir—now abroad. Other top figures are either in hiding or exiled, making reorganization a Herculean task.
Questions swirl about whether the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government will allow Awami League back into mainstream politics. Notably, in some constituencies, Awami League members backed BNP candidates during elections, fostering unexpected ties. A few BNP-backed MPs have even voiced support for the League’s return.
The big puzzle remains: Is Awami League just surviving, or plotting a full comeback? Pre-election polls suggested it could have performed decently if allowed to contest, indicating its base isn’t crumbling. Yet, for a strong resurgence, symbolic gestures won’t cut it. The party needs a solid roadmap, people-centric policies, youth involvement, and clear leadership.
Without concrete plans, confusion breeds, leadership rumors fester, and risks of internal splits loom large. Recent actions leave it unclear if this is defensive positioning or genuine preparation. One thing’s certain: Bangladesh’s political waters are churning anew, with Sajeeb Wazed Joy emerging as a pivotal figure.