Awami League Leader Confirms Return Plans Amid Extremist Concerns
Bangladesh Awami League leader Mohibul Chowdhury has confirmed that he and other exiled party leaders, including ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, are preparing to return to Bangladesh around December, despite anticipating a violent backlash due to what he described as the weaponisation of extremists in the country. Speaking to ANI on Friday, Chowdhury outlined the party's immediate priorities upon arrival: securing the release of detained leaders and overturning the ban imposed on the Awami League.
Over 140 MPs in Jail: Party's First Objective
Chowdhury stated that the majority of Awami League leaders remain inside Bangladesh, with more than 140 Members of Parliament currently imprisoned without trial. Local chairmen and municipal mayors are also in jail, while only a handful of leaders managed to flee and seek asylum abroad. He reiterated Hasina's intention to surrender voluntarily to the judicial courts upon return, aiming to free party members and resume regular political and social activities. 'She expressed that all of us would like to surrender and would like to go back, and those of us who have been in jail for the last two years without any trial should be freed,' Chowdhury added.
Anticipating Violence but Pursuing Peaceful Approach
When asked about expectations upon returning, Chowdhury acknowledged the possibility of violence but emphasized a commitment to peaceful settlement. 'We will have to face whatever happens. We have been facing it for the last two years. There will be a backlash because the extremists are highly weaponised. We are preparing for this. We will be aiming for a peaceful settlement until the last moment, and the government will behave in a politically correct and fair manner,' he said. He declined to disclose details about any contact with the Bangladesh government, citing political strategy.
Long-Term Strategy: Participation in Elections
Outlining the Awami League's long-term political strategy, Chowdhury said the party intends to participate in future elections and expressed confidence in its electoral prospects. 'Our objective is to take part in an election. We are confident that 70 per cent of the people will vote for Awami League in any fair and inclusive election,' he claimed. Referring to Bangladesh's future, he added, 'We don't want to become another Pakistan which serves masters abroad at the expense of its own people.'
Hasina's Determination Amid Arrest or Death Threat
Chowdhury's remarks follow Sheikh Hasina's announcement that she intends to return voluntarily around December, despite facing the stark prospect of arrest or death upon arrival. In an interview with Reuters, the 78-year-old leader, who moved to India after a student-led uprising ousted her administration in August 2024, stated she plans to surrender before the judicial courts. 'They may arrest me on my return, they may even kill me. Still, I have to go,' Hasina told Reuters. She clarified that there has been no communication with current authorities in Dhaka regarding the homecoming.
Background: Student-Led Uprising and Ban on Awami League
Hasina was ousted following a student-led movement in July 2024, ending the Bangladesh Awami League's regime. The party has since been barred from participating in any political activities in the country. The exiled leaders' planned return marks a significant development in Bangladesh's political landscape, with potential implications for stability and governance.
