"The Awami League aims to conduct organised politics, seeking some 'space'"

Following the mass uprising of 2024 that toppled the Hasina government, the caretaker administration led by Muhammad Yunus in May 2025 imposed strict political restrictions on the Awami League. The government banned all political activities of the party, including those of its affiliated and allied organisations, and suspended its registration. As a result, the Awami League was barred from participating in the 13th National Parliamentary Elections. Despite initiating a “No Vote, No Vote” campaign ahead of the polls, the party was largely unable to mount any significant efforts to obstruct the election due to the sweeping ban.

Since the restoration of a political government, the Awami League has experienced a relative sense of relief. Party leaders and activists have begun attempting to re-enter offices across Dhaka and various districts, with some even establishing a presence in local offices. While sporadic incidents of counter-occupation, attacks, and vandalism have occurred—primarily over office access disputes—the party perceives the central stance of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as broadly “positive.” Many leaders anticipate a return to mainstream political activity should the government signal official approval.

During the post-uprising caretaker period, the government maintained a hardline stance against the Awami League. Similarly, other parties such as Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens Party (NCP) opposed the party’s political resurgence. Internal discussions suggest that without the BNP’s relatively conciliatory approach, reopening local party offices would have been impossible. Consequently, the Awami League is largely focused on the political positioning of the BNP as a key factor in its strategy.

Multiple party leaders have confirmed that the Awami League currently prefers organised, non-violent political mobilisation over confrontational approaches. Given some political “space,” the party plans to undertake structural rebuilding from the central leadership down to grassroots levels. Leadership decisions now reportedly exclude figures who have previously tarnished the party’s image, with an emphasis on promoting a cleaner image and younger leadership at the forefront.

The party’s high command believes the newly elected government will prioritise political stability. Statements and recent measures by the Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman have provided the party with a “sense of relief.” Several leaders are optimistic that restrictions on party activities may be lifted shortly.

In summary, the Awami League is concentrating on reorganising its structure and preparing for a revitalised political approach while avoiding violent confrontation. Its effective return to the field, however, remains contingent on formal governmental “space” or political concessions.