In a dramatic political development in Bangladesh, the once-banned Awami League has begun showing signs of revival just days after the announcement of national election results. Grassroots leaders and party activists have reportedly started reopening local offices in several districts, hoisting national and party flags, and putting up banners and posters — moves widely seen as an attempt to reassert the party’s presence.
The resurgence has sparked fresh speculation about whether former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina could eventually return to active politics in Bangladesh.
What is happening in Bangladesh?
The Awami League (AL), which governed Bangladesh for more than 15 years under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, was banned in May 2025 by the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus. The party was subsequently barred from contesting the February 12 national elections, marking one of the most turbulent phases in its political history.
However, recent activities suggest that the party’s organisational network remains intact at the grassroots level. Political observers note that reopening offices and publicly displaying party symbols are more than symbolic gestures. They send a strong psychological message to supporters that the party is regrouping and preparing for a potential comeback.
These developments come after months of uncertainty following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, 2024. The interim administration initiated a crackdown on Awami League leaders and activists, leading to mass arrests and multiple court cases. Many senior party members either went into hiding within Bangladesh or relocated abroad.
Neither Sheikh Hasina nor her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who is widely regarded as her political successor, is currently in the country. This absence has posed significant challenges for the party’s efforts to reorganise and regain political momentum.
Will Awami League Make a Comeback?
According to Bangladeshi researcher and journalist Purnima Chowhan, writing in The Diplomat, the Awami League faces enormous hurdles despite recent revival efforts. The party’s ban, leadership vacuum, and ongoing legal battles have created structural obstacles that will not be easy to overcome.
Chowhan highlighted that rebuilding organisational strength after such a sweeping political crackdown will require time, coordination, and strategic planning. The question remains whether the party can transform symbolic actions into a sustained political movement capable of challenging the new government.
Nevertheless, the visible reactivation of district offices indicates that the Awami League’s grassroots machinery may still be operational, potentially laying the groundwork for a longer-term political re-entry.
New Cabinet Under Tarique Rahman
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s political landscape has shifted significantly following the victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, in the 13th Parliamentary elections.
One of the most striking aspects of the newly formed cabinet is its professional composition. Reports indicate that approximately 70 percent of the cabinet members come from business backgrounds. Out of 50 ministers and state ministers, 35 have declared business as their primary profession in affidavits submitted to the Election Commission.
Specifically, 19 cabinet ministers and 16 state ministers identified themselves as businesspersons. Lawyers constitute the second-largest professional group in the cabinet, alongside members who have listed multiple professions.
The dominance of business leaders in the cabinet has drawn attention from political analysts, who suggest it could influence policy direction, particularly in economic reforms and investment strategies.
A Nation at a Political Crossroads
Bangladesh now stands at a crucial political juncture. On one side, the BNP-led government is consolidating power with a cabinet heavily represented by business professionals. On the other, the Awami League appears to be quietly reorganising despite facing significant institutional and legal challenges.
Whether Sheikh Hasina will make a direct political return remains uncertain. However, the renewed visibility of her party suggests that the Awami League may not be ready to fade from Bangladesh’s political landscape just yet.
