Chhatra League Reclaims Barguna Awami League Office

Following months of neglect after the July public uprising, the Awami League office in Betagi Upazila, Barguna District, was forcibly accessed and reclaimed by local leaders of the banned student organisation, Bangladesh Chhatra League. The event, which included the hanging of portraits of the Father of the Nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the current Awami League President, Sheikh Hasina, has drawn attention on social media, where a video documenting the incident has circulated widely.

On Monday, at approximately 3:00 pm, Chhatra League leaders entered the Betagi municipal market-based party office after breaking its lock. Inside, they mounted portraits of Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the walls and adorned them with floral garlands. A new official signboard was also installed at the main entrance, signalling the office’s operational revival.

The video clearly shows Betagi Upazila Chhatra League’s current general secretary, Sifat Sikder, and former general secretary, Mostafa Jamal Shamim, forcibly opening the office door before executing the display of portraits and signage.

Speaking via WhatsApp, Sifat Sikder stated: “For eighteen months, the country was effectively under the control of an unlawful group. Our leader, Sheikh Hasina, instructed that party offices, including Dhaka’s Dhanmondi 32, resume normal operations. Acting on her directive, we entered the Betagi Upazila Awami League office and restored the portraits of Sheikh Hasina and the Father of the Nation, along with the party banners. We have previously organised numerous local activities in Betagi.”

Meanwhile, Betagi police officer-in-charge, Jewel Islam, told Prothom Alo that he was not officially informed about the office reopening or the installation of portraits and banners.

Awami League Upazila general secretary and former Upazila Parishad chairman, Maksudur Rahman, emphasised that the action was coordinated with the party: “They discussed the steps with us before taking control. Previously, the absence of a democratic government prevented our leaders and activists from accessing the office. Now, under a democratic administration, it has been reclaimed.”

Background context: On 5 August 2024, during the public uprising challenging Sheikh Hasina’s government, the Betagi Awami League office was vandalised and subsequently locked. Many local party activists went into hiding. Following the 13th National Parliamentary elections, a significant number of these leaders have gradually resumed political activity.

Key details of the incident are summarised below:

The reclamation underscores the symbolic and political significance of party offices in regional governance, illustrating how physical control of such spaces serves as a demonstration of authority and organisational continuity.