Awami League, which is facing a ban on its activities, is moving ahead with plans to rebuild the party while keeping its president Sheikh Hasina, sentenced to death for crimes against humanity, at the top of its command structure.
Although the idea of a “refined Awami League” has been dropped, party insiders said plans are underway to bring comparatively less controversial leaders to the forefront while keeping Sheikh Hasina in a guiding role.
Several leaders told TIMES of Bangladesh that, in Hasina’s absence, the new leadership would run the party in line with her directives. The party was ousted from power following the 2024 mass uprising.
Based on conversations with more than a dozen Awami League leaders at home and abroad, it has been learnt that the party plans to reorganise its central committee by December. The process will later extend to district, upazila and thana-level committees, as well as affiliated and associate organisations.
Party sources said several previously influential leaders could be dropped from the new structure, while those who remained active during the crisis may be given greater responsibilities.
With Sheikh Hasina announcing plans to return home by December, many party leaders have expressed willingness to return. However, they believe that if she is arrested after returning or cannot come back, the leadership being prepared under the current plan will take charge.
A joint general secretary said the grassroots would not accept any “refined Awami League” without Sheikh Hasina. Therefore, she will remain the party’s central leader.
He said a new leadership structure is being developed to ensure that, if Sheikh Hasina is jailed after returning home or is unable to return from India due to legal complications, the party can continue moving towards its goals under her guidance.
Awami League leaders are hoping that the BNP government will withdraw the ban before then, allowing the party to resume political activities.
Several leaders said those who failed to become active despite Hasina’s instructions may lose organisational positions. There is also resentment against leaders accused of neglecting jailed or fugitive activists and their families.
Despite the setback, grassroots leaders and activists are attempting to reorganise, party insiders said. The focus is shifting towards creating new leadership rather than relying solely on senior figures.
After nearly two years of inactivity, many leaders have started returning to political engagement. Flash processions have been held in several areas following party directives, while party units in Kolkata and Delhi are monitoring developments.
Besides India, Awami League leaders based in London, Belgium, France, the United States, Dubai, Nepal, Thailand and Portugal are maintaining communication with party networks.
The party’s presidium, central committee and affiliated organisations – including Jubo League, Chhatra League, Swechasebak League, Mohila Awami League, Jubo Mohila League, Sramik League and Matsyajibi League – have around 700 central-level leaders.
The party also has 350 former MPs and ministers, along with city corporation mayors, municipal mayors and councillors.
A presidium member currently staying in Kolkata told TIMES that around 150 of these leaders are now in jail, while others are staying at different locations at home and abroad.
A former minister from Barishal, now staying in the United Kingdom, said the situation became extremely difficult for Awami League leaders and activists after the government was removed on 5 August 2024.
However, after several months, some activists began trying to return to political activities.
“Some leaders are active on social media, but most remain silent. Although the top leadership has instructed everyone to unite and reorganise, the impact is still limited on the ground,” he said.
He said many leaders remain active through phone-based group discussions but are absent from grassroots activities. Many senior leaders, former ministers and former MPs abroad have also remained quiet.
Another former minister said Sheikh Hasina had instructed leaders to return home and become active by December. Those who fail to return, he said, could be considered unwilling to continue Awami League politics.
Party leaders said several organisational plans are being prepared based on different scenarios – including Sheikh Hasina’s return, continuation of the ban, or its withdrawal.
Multiple leadership structures are reportedly being prepared under Hasina’s supervision, with different leaders being positioned for key roles. Plans are also being made on who will coordinate party activities from inside and outside the country.
Party sources said some young members, university-linked individuals, CRI members and people connected with law enforcement agencies and different government agencies are coordinating the process.
Several leaders said Presidium members Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, AFM Bahauddin Nasim, former ministers Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, SM Rezaul Karim, Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, Dr Habibe Millat, Mohammad Ali Arafat, Mrinal Kanti Das, former Sylhet mayor Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury, Jubo League leader Mainul Hossain Nikhil and Chhatra League leaders Saddam and Inan are regularly communicating with activists online and by phone.
Several organising secretaries told TIMES, on condition of anonymity, that Nanak, Bahauddin Nasim, SM Rezaul, Nowfel and Habibe Millat could receive important responsibilities due to their activities during the party’s difficult period.
They added that former minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury could also receive a significant role depending on the circumstances.
Meanwhile, several leaders have become active on social media after a break from party programmes. Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has also recently become active online.
Other leaders participating in online discussions include Sheikh Helal Uddin, Fazle Shams Parash, SM Kamal, Hasan Mahmud, Alauddin Nasim, Liaquat Shikder, Nazrul Islam Babu, Enamul Haque Shamim, Aminul Islam, Abu Sayeed Al Mahmud Swapan, Sujit Roy Nandi, Asim Kumar Ukil, Gazi Mezbah Sachchu and Afzal Babu.
Awami League leaders in the European Union said party activists in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and other EU countries are continuing activities from their respective locations.
They said they are organising programmes and attempting to draw the attention of foreign embassies.
They named Nazrul Islam, Abbas Ali Chowdhury, Dr Siddiq, Mohsin, Mohammad Shawkat and Mohammad Faruk among those remaining active.
Currently, 107 former Awami League ministers, state ministers and MPs are imprisoned in 69 jails across the country, according to party sources.
Among them are 34 former ministers and state ministers and 73 former MPs, including 12 women lawmakers.
Besides, many central and district-level Awami League leaders and activists are also in jail. Party sources said some of them could be considered for the new organisational structure.
