Highlights:
- Awami League is preparing for rallies nationwide on 28th September, Sheikh Hasina’s 79th birthday.
- The party wants to demand the release of top leaders and return to politics.
- Law enforcement has already arrested over 300 activists in recent days.
- The movement may also demand Dr. Muhammad Yunus to step down as interim government’s chief adviser.
Awami League’s New Strategy After Fall
After being ousted by the student-people’s uprising and the escape of Sheikh Hasina and other senior leaders, the Awami League became organizationally weak. Now, the party is preparing to return to the streets with the slogan of “freedom” to destabilize the country.
Rallies Planned on Hasina’s Birthday
The party announced rallies across the country on 28th September, marking Sheikh Hasina’s 79th birthday. According to sources, these rallies will call for the release of party leaders and their political reinstatement.
Party activists believe this will be the “biggest gift” on Hasina’s birthday.
Nationwide Coordination
The plan is to organize rallies simultaneously in districts, upazilas, divisional cities, and Dhaka. Senior leaders in Gazipur, Madaripur, Khulna, Barisal, Kishoreganj, Chattogram, and Dhaka are coordinating the program, with support from both local and overseas leaders.
In Dhaka, rallies are planned at 7–8 major entry points to show strength, while avoiding mass arrests. Recent flash processions are seen as a rehearsal for this bigger showdown.
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Leadership Meetings Abroad
Reports say almost every day, Jubo League General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil meets with fugitive leaders at DK International Hotel in Kolkata. These activities are carried out with the approval of Awami League Presidium Member Sheikh Selim, who is also in Kolkata.
Sheikh Selim is organizing major Dhaka rallies through party members from Gopalganj, Gazipur, Madaripur, and Kishoreganj.
Recent Flash Processions in Dhaka
On 18th September, over 100 activists joined a flash procession in Gulistan. Since then, processions have been held almost daily in Farmgate, Gulistan, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Mirpur, and New Market under the banned banners of Chhatra League, Jubo League, and Swechchhasebak League.
According to law enforcement, at least 12 major and medium rallies took place in Dhaka in the last five days, involving thousands of activists.
Police Crackdowns and Arrests
On 24th September, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DB and local police) arrested 244 activists of the banned Awami League and its wings. They also seized 14 cocktails and 7 banners.
When asked about the identity of the arrested activists, DMP Additional Commissioner (Crime & Operation) S N Nazrul Islam said:
“আমরা যাচাই-বাছাই করছি। তবে প্রাথমিকভাবে বলা যেতে পারে গ্রেপ্তার হওয়া অধিকাংশ ময়মনসিংহ, কিশোরগঞ্জ, গাজীপুর ও গোপালগঞ্জ থেকে এসেছে।”
Translation: “We are verifying. But initially, it can be said that most of those arrested are from Mymensingh, Kishoreganj, Gazipur, and Gopalganj.”
Police headquarters confirmed that since last week, more than 300 active members of Awami League and its wings have been arrested—mostly from Dhaka, along with several dozen more from Gazipur, Madaripur, Khulna, Barisal, and Kishoreganj.
Analysts’ View and Political Risks
Political analysts believe the upcoming Awami League programs may be more aggressive than before. The main focus is expected to be a demand for the resignation of Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of the interim government. This could fuel further political unrest across the country.
Law Enforcement Preparedness
Law enforcement agencies have already deployed extra forces at the entry points of Dhaka. A senior police officer said:
“Any banned activities will be strictly suppressed. The safety of people’s lives and property is our top priority.”
Sources say although the rallies are scheduled for 28th September, they might also be organized on 26 or 27 September for strategic reasons. In Dhaka and nearby areas, the party is planning for at least 10,000 participants, even preparing for possible clashes if the rallies are blocked.
Police Statements on Future Actions
Speaking to NTV, S N Nazrul Islam further said:
“We are always ready. DMP patrols are running regularly across Dhaka. If Awami League organizes flash processions or any activity and we get reports, we will take immediate action.”
He added:
“You know Durga Puja is coming. We have additional forces ready for the festival. If Awami League members take to the streets, action will be taken immediately.”
About arrests based on videos, he said:
“এখন মিছিলের পরপরই ভিডিওগুলো চলে আসে সামাজিক যোগাযোগ মাধ্যমে। এখান থেকে মিছিলকারীদের গ্রেপ্তার করা সহজ। ভিডিও দেখে দেখে সনাক্তও করা যায়।”
Translation: “Now, videos of rallies appear quickly on social media. From there, it is easy to arrest and identify participants.”
Source: Ntv
