Allegations of Political Maneuvering Surface Over Awami League’s Potential Return

Hasnat Abdullah, a regional organizer of the National Citizens' Party (Jatiya Nagorik Party), has alleged that a conspiracy is underway to reintegrate the Awami League into Bangladesh’s political landscape. According to him, India is orchestrating the effort, positioning Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, and Fazle Noor Taposh at the forefront of the initiative.

In a Facebook post on March 11, Hasnat claimed that he and two other individuals were offered a proposal to facilitate the rehabilitation of the Awami League through seat-sharing arrangements. He wrote that during a meeting on March 11 at 2:30 PM, representatives from the cantonment presented the plan, urging them to accept it in exchange for electoral seat adjustments. Hasnat further claimed that several political parties have already agreed to this proposal under certain conditions, with the underlying goal of creating a fragmented opposition, which would be preferable to a singular opposition party.

Referring to recent media coverage, Hasnat stated, "You will notice that over the past two days, several politicians have started making statements in favor of Awami League." He described this initiative as the creation of a "Refined Awami League", characterizing it as a "new conspiracy" aimed at reintroducing the party into politics under a rebranded identity. According to him, members of this "Refined Awami League" are expected to acknowledge the crimes of the Sheikh family, disown Sheikh Hasina, and pledge allegiance to Bangabandhu's original Awami League by April or May.

Hasnat stated that he and his colleagues rejected the proposal outright, insisting that instead of rehabilitating Awami League, efforts should focus on holding the party accountable. However, in response, they were allegedly warned that blocking Awami League’s return would lead to a national crisis, for which they would be held responsible. Hasnat quoted the officials as saying, "Awami League must come back."

Describing the exchange, Hasnat wrote, "At one point, I asked—how can you forgive a party that has not apologized or admitted its crimes? The other side, visibly angered, responded, ‘You people know nothing. You lack wisdom and experience. We have been in this service for at least forty years, longer than you have been alive. Besides, an inclusive election cannot happen without Awami League.’"

He further stated, "I replied that there can be no inclusivity with Awami League. If Awami League is to return, it must be over our dead bodies. If efforts continue to reinstate them, you will bear the consequences of the ensuing crisis." Hasnat claimed that the meeting ended abruptly as they walked out in protest.

Hasnat also mentioned that during the July movement, various pressures were exerted upon them—from both intelligence agencies and the cantonment—to comply with different directives, but they remained steadfast in their commitment to the people. He declared, "We stood with the people and ensured Hasina's downfall. Once again, I choose to trust the people over the pressures from the cantonment." He acknowledged that his statement might lead to backlash or personal consequences, but emphasized that there can be no compromise on banning Awami League.

Hasnat urged his followers, "During the July movement, we defied all directives from the cantonment and intelligence agencies. If we once again receive the people’s support and their presence on the streets, we will thwart this Indian conspiracy to rehabilitate Awami League." He concluded with a rallying call: "Let us set aside all doubts and unite against Awami League. If Awami League is allowed to return to politics, the July movement will have been in vain. As long as we have a single drop of blood left, we will not let the sacrifices of our martyrs go in vain. In post-August 5 Bangladesh, there is no place for Awami League—it must remain banned."

Meanwhile, on Thursday, March 20, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the head of the interim government, met with Comfort Ero, President and CEO of the International Crisis Group, where he reportedly stated, "The government has no plans to ban Awami League. Elections will be held on schedule as per the pre-determined plan." His statement has sparked widespread debate across Bangladesh’s online platforms.