sheikh-hasina-s-party-resurfaces-with-nationwide-protests-from-feb-1

The Awami League, led by ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has announced a series of nationwide protests in February, calling for the resignation of Professor Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, citing alleged "oppression" of Bangladesh's Hindu minority community.

 

In its first major show of dissent since the collapse of Hasina's government last August, the party declared a programme of marches, strikes, and blockades.

 

Most senior Awami League leaders have either been arrested or forced underground since the government's fall, triggered by a student-led anti-discrimination movement.

 

A statement posted on the party's verified Facebook page detailed plans for protest activities beginning 1 February.

 

The Awami League announced that leaflets would be distributed and campaigns conducted from Saturday to Wednesday, followed by rallies across the nation on 6 February.

 

Further demonstrations are scheduled for 10 February, with a nationwide blockade on 16 February and a dawn-to-dusk "strict" strike on 18 February.

 

The statement, which continued to refer to Sheikh Hasina as the "Prime Minister," demanded the withdrawal of "farcical trials" against Hasina and other senior party leaders at the International Crimes Tribunal. The cases, it argued, were politically motivated.

 

The former Prime Minister has remained in exile in India since fleeing Bangladesh during the mass uprising on 5 August last year.

 

"Despite the hardships faced by our leaders and supporters, we will not rest until justice is served," the statement asserted, urging the people of Bangladesh to join the protests.

 

The Awami League had previously attempted to stage protests in November but failed to mobilise due to a crackdown by the interim government.

 

Meanwhile, the political situation in Bangladesh remains volatile, with the Yunus-led government accused by Awami League sympathisers of clamping down on dissent and failing to protect minority communities.

 

The interim administration has yet to issue an official response to the Awami League's announcement.

 

The effectiveness of the Awami League's mobilisation efforts will be closely watched, given its diminished visibility in recent months.