She will declare schedule in mid-October before international media

TDS Desk:

Deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, sentenced to death for crimes against humanity in absentia, plans to return to Bangladesh in the first week of December, according to Awami League leaders.

The president of Awami League, which faces ban on political activities, has finalised plans to enter Bangladesh through the Petrapole-Benapole land port either at the end of the first week of December or the beginning of the second week.

All European Awami League leader Abbas Chowdhury told TIMES, citing Hasina, that she would announce her return date before international media in New Delhi in mid-October. It would be her first public appearance since she was ousted from power.

Hasina also told Indian media outlet The Wall on Sunday that she plans to return in December, saying, “I could be killed if I return home. I could be arrested and tortured. Yet, for the sake of the people of the country, I must return.”

TIMES spoke to at least six Awami League leaders, who said Hasina may not ask anyone to take risks and return home, but leaders and activists staying abroad want to come back.

They said around 60 party leaders from different countries have already gathered in Kolkata, where they are holding regular meetings, coordinating online activities and instructing party workers to remain active. Another 20 central leaders are also working with them.

Abbas Chowdhury claimed leaders from the United States, United Kingdom and Europe would join them in Kolkata before December and return to Bangladesh with Hasina.

Former Sylhet City Corporation mayor Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury, now in London, said they want to charter a plane to return home with leaders and activists abroad if the Civil Aviation Authority permits it.

“Since Sheikh Hasina has said she wants to return under any circumstances, she will return. Whatever our fate, we also want to return with her by December,” he said.

Awami League Presidium member Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya said, “There is no alternative to the leaders and activists returning home. Everyone must return. Surely the leader has a plan. Her instructions are final for us.”

There is speculation over whether the government will allow Hasina to return or whether India will facilitate her departure.

Awami League leaders said Hasina’s announcement about returning home has been reported by international media and is known to world leaders. They said several party teams are maintaining international contacts, while Hasina herself is communicating with political leaders and people close to governments in different countries.

They said if Bangladesh prevents her entry, she will not return to New Delhi, where she has been staying since her ouster, but will stay in West Bengal and operate the party from there.

Awami League Organising Secretary Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said doubts were also raised over Sheikh Hasina’s return in 1981.

“But she returned. She will return this time as well,” he said.

He said leaders and activists who do not follow Hasina’s instructions will be considered unwilling to remain with the party.

Sources close to Hasina said that before leaving Delhi for Kolkata in the first week of December, she plans to visit the shrine of Nizamuddin Auliya and the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer.

Hasina’s sister Sheikh Rehana, son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed Putul are expected to accompany her.

Hasina fled to Delhi on 5 August 2024 during the mass uprising. After remaining silent initially, she resumed communication with party leaders and activists, holding online meetings and issuing instructions.

She has since given interviews to Indian and international media outlets and held press conferences.

Her activities in Delhi have triggered reactions in Bangladesh’s political and diplomatic circles, with tensions emerging in Dhaka-Delhi relations.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman postponed his bilateral visit to India despite receiving an invitation as the Sheikh Hasina issue came to the forefront.

Regarding speculation that Sheikh Selim would lead the party if Hasina was jailed after returning, at least six Awami League leaders told TIMES that she had made no such statement.

They said Sheikh Hasina had stated that, according to the party constitution, the senior-most presidium member would serve as acting president.

Awami League Presidium members Sajeda Chowdhury, Matia Chowdhury and Engineer Mosharraf Hossain have died. Kazi Zafarullah, Abdur Razzaque, Faruk Khan and Shajahan Khan are in prison.

Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Abdur Rahman and Khairuzzaman Chowdhury Liton are outside Bangladesh.

In Hasina’s absence, the senior-most presidium member remaining in the country would automatically assume the role of acting president, according to party leaders.

The party will also appoint a spokesperson.

Source: Times of Bangladesh