Leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations have stepped up efforts to reorganise and demonstrate their presence across the country, amid growing speculation that party president and former prime minister Sheikh Hasina could return to Bangladesh despite facing legal penalties.
Although the party’s activities remain prohibited, processions under the banners of the Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League have been reported in Dhaka and numerous districts and upazilas in recent weeks.
While small rallies have surfaced intermittently over the past two years, larger demonstrations have appeared in several areas before and after Eid-ul-Adha.
At the same time, law enforcement agencies have launched intensified operations against what authorities describe as attempts by the party to re-emerge publicly.
Police are reportedly targeting leaders and activists who have returned from hiding, while the activities of those released on bail are also being monitored.
The interim government first banned activities of the Awami League through a gazette notification in May 2025. The ban was later made permanent with the passage of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill in parliament in April 2026.
Processions spread from Brahmanbaria
According to intelligence sources, the latest wave of demonstrations began in Brahmanbaria.
On 12 May, a sizeable procession was held under the leadership of Municipal Chhatra League General Secretary Limon Al Swadhin. Fifteen days later, Brahmanbaria Chhatra League Organising Secretary Ashikur Rahman Hridoy led another procession in the Radhika area along the Cumilla-Sylhet highway and the Radhika-Nabinagar road.
Since then, similar activities have spread to different parts of the country, including the capital.
Police sources said processions have recently been held in Baderhat Bazar and municipal areas of Noakhali’s Noai Union, Chattogram’s Agrabad Commercial Area, GEC intersection, Ananya Residential Area, the Nazirhat-Maizbhandar Road in Fatikchhari, Dhaka University’s TSC and DUCSU buildings, Dhanmondi, Siddhirganj in Narayanganj, Bhanga, Sunamganj, Mymensingh, Rangpur, Benapole, Chuadanga, Savar, Ashulia and several locations in Faridpur.
Purge fears driving renewed activism
Party insiders say Sheikh Hasina has remained in regular contact with leaders and activists through various channels and is assessing the performance and activities of local leaders.
The reported scrutiny has created anxiety among many inactive or underground leaders. Concerns are also growing among central leaders, while a number of former ministers and MPs living abroad are reportedly at risk of being sidelined in an internal party purge.
Against that backdrop, many previously inactive leaders and activists are said to be organising local processions to reassert their influence and visibility, contributing to the growing frequency of demonstrations.
Several Awami League leaders, however, alleged that police are harassing people with no direct involvement in party politics. They claimed that individuals are being arrested and sent to court in pending cases under the Anti-Terrorism Act when attempts at local “reconciliation” fail.
Police have rejected the allegations.
Funeral gatherings draw large crowds
Large crowds have also been gathering at the funerals of senior Awami League figures, a development that party leaders say is boosting the morale of supporters.
Former ministers Tofail Ahmed and Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, former MP AKM Rahmatullah, former Thakurgaon District Awami League president Dabirul Islam, Belabo Upazila Awami League president Shamsher Zaman Bhuiyan Riton, former law minister Barrister Shafiqur Rahman and Dinajpur City Awami League president Anwarul Islam were among leaders whose funeral prayers drew significant attendance from party activists and ordinary citizens.
Following the death of former minister Ramesh Chandra Sen, thousands reportedly visited his residence. Similar large turnouts have also been seen at funerals of district and upazila-level leaders.
Several central leaders claim the strong public presence at such events is gradually encouraging previously silent supporters and activists.
Govt vows strict enforcement
The government has maintained a firm position on the issue.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has repeatedly said that banned organisations have no scope to conduct activities openly.
Inspector General of Police Ali Hossain Fakir also stated that law enforcement agencies remain uncompromising in dealing with banned groups.
“It is completely illegal for them to hold any meeting, procession, rally or show of strength,” he said.
Police have warned that strict legal action will be taken against any banned organisation that violates the prohibition through rallies, demonstrations or activities deemed provocative. Authorities are also analysing video footage to identify and arrest participants.
Hundreds arrested
According to police records, more than 100 people have recently been arrested in police and Detective Branch operations linked to the processions.
In Chattogram, the metropolitan police conducted raids across 16 police stations and arrested between 68 and 70 leaders and activists.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police arrested 32 individuals who were allegedly preparing for processions in the Agargaon and Dhanmondi 32 areas of the capital.
Five people were arrested in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, while additional Chhatra League and Awami League activists were detained following protest processions in Brahmanbaria, Moulvibazar and Cumilla.
As processions continue to surface across the country, authorities appear determined to enforce the ban, setting the stage for an escalating confrontation between the state and supporters of the outlawed party.
