Highlights
- From India, she has continued to make provocative statements, promising to return to Bangladesh.
-
Awami League’s Kolkata-based supporters are planning a push for their comeback after Durga Puja.
-
Allegations claim India’s intelligence agency RAW is backing Hasina’s political revival efforts.
-
Analysts doubt the real possibility of her return, given current political realities.
Sheikh Hasina in India After Ouster
On 5 August 2024, Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India following a mass student and people’s uprising. Since then, the former Prime Minister—accused of crimes against humanity in the July crackdown—has frequently issued provocative statements from India.
She often reassures her party leaders and activists that she will “enter Bangladesh soon.” But so far, analysts and her own cautious supporters see her threats as little more than “paper tigers.”
Plans to Push for Return After Durga Puja
Despite skepticism, Awami League and its allies in India have renewed their efforts. Leaders of the party’s Newtown branch in Kolkata are preparing to start a campaign after Durga Puja to bring her back.
Read More: Jubo League Leader Shah Joni Arrested from Red-Light Area in Tangail
Reports suggest that India and its proxies are once again trying to make Hasina relevant in Bangladesh’s politics, despite her record of disappearances, killings, and corruption during more than 15 years in power. Several pro-AL agencies are being reactivated to support this agenda.
This has raised a burning question in Bangladesh’s political field: Will the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina really return?
Alleged Support From RAW in Delhi
Accusations have surfaced that India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), is actively helping Hasina’s supporters build public opinion in her favor.
Recently, a conference of Awami League members was held in Delhi, which critics claim had RAW’s backing. Among the participants was Gautam Roy, a second-tier communist leader from West Bengal. Though not very significant in his own state, Roy repeatedly praises Hasina to remain relevant. Hasina even wrote a foreword for one of his books.
At the conference, Roy made a surprising claim:
“৩৪ বছরের রাজনৈতিক জীবনে হাসিনা দুপুরে ভাত খাওয়ার তেমন সুযোগ পাননি। কাজের চাপে বেশির ভাগ সময় তিনি চা আর টোস্ট বিস্কুট খেয়েছেন।”
Translation:
“In her 34 years of political life, Hasina hardly had the chance to eat rice at noon. Due to work pressure, she mostly survived on tea and toast biscuits.”
Roy praised this so-called “simple lifestyle” of Hasina and compared her to famous women like Sufia Kamal, Suchitra Mitra, and Gauri Ayub.
Digital Campaigns and Propaganda
It is not only conferences—digital platforms are also being used. Allegations claim that a West Bengal-based web portal is regularly broadcasting pro-AL programs. Its director, identified as Dhabal Sarkar (name changed), reportedly received several crores of taka from Awami League.
In addition, numerous Facebook influencers are being paid to post in Favor of Hasina and her agenda.
These efforts have created heated debates in political circles. Many believe both India and sections of Bangladesh are preparing the ground for Hasina’s political comeback.
Political Reality vs. Ambition
While Hasina continues to make big speeches, political analysts say the real situation is very different. They point out that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently under pressure due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
Because of this, India’s ambitious plans in Bangladesh might not succeed as easily as Hasina’s supporter’s hope.
Awami League’s Growing Presence in Delhi
Despite the uncertainty, Awami League leaders have been frequently seen in Delhi. Reports suggest that Obaidul Quader is currently in the Indian capital. Some intellectuals close to Hasina in Kolkata have also been allowed to meet her.
These intellectuals are discussing how to use the media to “rehabilitate” Awami League’s image in Bangladesh. Sources say, after Durga Puja, these pro-Hasina intellectuals might take bigger steps, with RAW’s full support.
Already, PDF documents, fake videos, and propaganda materials are being circulated between Kolkata, Delhi, and Dhaka. These materials attack both the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Yunus personally.
According to intelligence sources, these blueprints for propaganda are being coordinated directly from Hasina’s safe house in Delhi.
A New Debate Over Her Return
Altogether, the efforts of Indian media, intellectuals, and Awami League supporters to push Hasina’s return have sparked new controversies.
However, analysts remain cautious: whether Sheikh Hasina can actually return to Bangladesh or not—only time will tell.
Source: Daily Amar Desh
