Hasina urges Bangladesh to lift ban on Awami League, vows return

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday called for the lifting of the ban on her Awami League party, saying the party remains a legitimate political force in the country. She also reiterated her intention to return to Bangladesh.

Ms. Hasina’s remarks came during a media interaction hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi, on the second anniversary of her ouster in August 2024. The event was her first formal engagement with the media since she left Bangladesh.

While her party colleagues and her son, Sajeeb Wazed, appeared via video link, Ms. Hasina’s address was delivered only in audio. No official explanation was given for the absence of video, and it was not immediately clear why she chose to participate in that manner.

The former prime minister has been living in India since her removal from power, following widespread student-led protests against her government. The demonstrations, initially sparked by a contentious quota system for government jobs, escalated into a broader movement demanding her resignation. In August 2024, she resigned and left Bangladesh, with the military then stepping in to restore order.

Following her exit, an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was formed. The Awami League, which had ruled Bangladesh for over 15 years, was subsequently banned by the authorities in connection with the violence during the protests. The ban remains in place, and the party has faced legal and political restrictions.

In her audio address, Ms. Hasina argued that the ban is unjust and called for its removal. She asserted that the Awami League had always upheld democratic values and that the party's participation in the political process is essential for the country's stability. However, she did not provide specific details on how she plans to return or what steps her party might take to challenge the ban.

The interim government in Dhaka has not yet issued an official response to Ms. Hasina’s latest remarks. Earlier statements from the administration have indicated that the ban on the Awami League would be reviewed only through the legal framework, and that decisions would be made in line with the country’s laws and the will of the people.

Human rights organisations and international observers have raised concerns about the political situation in Bangladesh since the change in government. While some have welcomed the crackdown on the previous administration's alleged abuses, others have called for due process and the protection of political rights for all parties.

Ms. Hasina faces numerous legal cases in Bangladesh, including charges related to enforced disappearances, killings during protests, and alleged corruption. Her supporters maintain that these cases are politically motivated, while the current authorities insist they are part of a broader accountability process.

The former prime minister’s call to lift the ban on the Awami League comes at a time of continued political uncertainty in Bangladesh. The interim government has promised elections at some point in the future, but no date has been fixed. Ms. Hasina’s statement is likely to add to the ongoing debate about the country's political future and the role of the party that dominated its politics for decades.

Analysts note that her remarks could energise her supporters within Bangladesh, though the party remains weakened by the ban and the departure of many senior leaders. The full impact of her statement is yet to be seen, and it remains unclear whether it will lead to any immediate political changes.