Awami League Defies Ban with Flash Protests Across Bangladesh Ahead of 2026 Elections
Dhaka, Bangladesh: Once the dominant political powerhouse of Bangladesh, the Awami League has been outlawed since its long-time leader, Sheikh Hasina, was ousted in a mass uprising last year. Now, her loyalists are taking to the streets again — defying the ban through flash protests inspired by Hasina’s social media calls to “resist.”
As the South Asian nation of 170 million prepares for elections scheduled in February 2026, tensions are rising between Hasina’s underground supporters and the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Despite the risks of arrest or violence, Awami League loyalists continue to make their presence felt.
From Exile, Hasina Urges Supporters to Resist
Sheikh Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for over 15 years, fled into exile in India after protesters stormed her residence in 2024. Her dramatic fall ended one of the longest political reigns in the country’s history. Since then, she has refused to return to Bangladesh, defying court orders to appear in her ongoing trial on charges of crimes against humanity, including allegations of ordering a deadly crackdown during the revolt that ousted her.
From exile, Hasina has turned to social media platforms to rally her followers, posting frequent calls to “resist oppression” and challenge what she describes as an “illegitimate government.” These online messages have sparked a wave of flash mob-style demonstrations across the capital, Dhaka, and other cities.
Street Protests Defy Ban on Awami League
In Dhaka, small groups of Awami League supporters are organizing quick, unannounced rallies — gathering for just a few minutes before dispersing to avoid police crackdowns.
At one such rally, 45-year-old cleaner Mohammad Kashem described how around 25 protesters were chased, beaten, and detained by police.
“It’s happening all over Dhaka,” Kashem told AFP. “We see videos of it every day on Facebook.”
Despite the dangers, these protests have become a daily occurrence, symbolizing the party’s determination to remain visible even while banned. Some gatherings involve only a few young men waving placards, while others draw hundreds of participants chanting slogans like “Sheikh Hasina is coming!” and “Bangladesh is smiling!”
Authorities say the rallies have resulted in over 800 arrests, with many detainees accused of attempting to destabilize the government.
Government Tightens Grip as Tensions Rise
The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has grown increasingly uneasy about the Awami League’s underground resurgence. Yunus’s press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, accused Hasina’s followers of attempting to “create chaos” as her trial progresses.
“The fascists have turned reckless, as they can see the election approaching and the trial process moving fast,” Alam told reporters. “The government will strengthen monitoring of flash processions and illegal gatherings.”
The renewed political unrest is complicating efforts to prepare for the 2026 elections, which the Awami League remains barred from contesting.
Police Crackdowns and Mounting Arrests
According to Dhaka Police spokesman Md Talebur Rahman, more than 800 people have been arrested so far in connection with the flash protests. On some days, authorities have detained over 200 protesters in a single sweep.
The demonstrations, which often appear simultaneously in multiple locations, are proving difficult for security forces to contain. Despite increased surveillance, videos continue to flood social media platforms, showing police chasing, beating, and arresting demonstrators.
Eyewitness Kashem described one such scene vividly:
“They gathered for only a few minutes, shouting Hasina’s name, and then the police came. Some were badly beaten before being dragged away. The leaders have left them behind, but they keep risking their lives.”
Awami League Remains Defiant in Exile
Though its top leadership remains in hiding or exile, the Awami League’s message of defiance continues to resonate.
Senior party figure Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, whose current location is unknown, claimed that the ongoing protests are driven by “love and loyalty” to Hasina.
“People are taking to the streets because they believe in her,” he reportedly said in a statement shared online.
Bangladeshi newspapers have reported at least 20 flash protests in the past month alone, suggesting that the banned party maintains significant grassroots organization despite the crackdown.
Human Rights Concerns Over Government Tactics
The ban on the Awami League has drawn sharp criticism from international human rights organizations.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) condemned the move as “draconian,” urging the interim government not to repeat the same authoritarian tactics once attributed to Hasina’s administration.
“The interim government should not be engaging in the same partisan behavior that Bangladeshis had to endure under Sheikh Hasina — whether it is stuffing prisons with political opponents or silencing peaceful dissent,” said HRW’s Meenakshi Ganguly.
Political analysts argue that while Hasina’s tactics from exile may be controversial, the government’s heavy-handed response risks undermining its credibility as a caretaker administration.
Political Analysts Warn of Deepening Divide
Analyst Zahed Ur Rahman, a member of Bangladesh’s Electoral Reform Commission, said Hasina’s online campaigns are designed to keep her politically relevant while painting her as a victim of state persecution.
“She is trying to gain sympathy by widely sharing the beatings, chases, and arrests of her supporters,” Rahman said. “It’s a calculated move to maintain influence.”
However, he warned that the escalating cycle of protests and crackdowns could further polarize the nation, making it harder for the Yunus government to ensure a peaceful election.
Judicial Probe into Hasina’s Party Underway
Authorities insist that the legal proceedings against Sheikh Hasina and her party are progressing.
Tajul Islam, the chief prosecutor in Hasina’s trial in absentia, confirmed that a judicial investigation into the Awami League’s alleged crimes is ongoing.
“Once the investigation report is ready, proper action will be taken,” Islam said, without providing a timeline.
Despite the government’s tough stance, the Awami League’s network of loyalists continues to challenge its legitimacy through defiance, protest, and digital mobilization.
Uncertain Road to 2026 Elections
As Bangladesh moves toward its first general election since Hasina’s ouster, the political climate remains deeply unstable. With the Awami League banned, and Hasina rallying supporters from abroad, questions remain about the fairness and inclusivity of the upcoming vote.
Observers warn that without political reconciliation, the next election could reignite unrest across the country. For now, the streets of Dhaka echo with a defiant chant — “Sheikh Hasina is coming” — as Bangladesh grapples with a political crisis that refuses to fade.