“Be prepared; this time everyone must return home. Instruct workers to get ready to take to the field.” — Awami League President Sheikh Hasina
Dhaka, Bangladesh | February 24, 2026 | The Global Journal
Sheikh Hasina, currently in India, joined online from Delhi and delivered a clear message to party leaders. She said, “Take mental and other preparations. This time everyone must return to the country. We must step into the field of the nation.”
A significant meeting of the Awami League’s Central Working Committee was held to determine the party’s future programs in light of Bangladesh’s post-election political situation. The meeting took place on Tuesday, February 24, in the morning at the residence of a presidium member in the capital under strict secrecy. The party president and former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, chaired the meeting virtually.
According to party sources, Sheikh Hasina, who is currently staying in India, joined online from Delhi and gave explicit instructions to leaders. She said, “Take mental and other preparations. This time everyone must return to the country. We must take to the field.” Concerned leaders view her remarks as a signal of party reorganization and renewed activism on the streets.
During the meeting, Working Committee members presented the political situation and grassroots conditions in their respective areas. Several influential leaders who are not members of the committee were also present and shared their opinions on future strategies.
The recent national election was one of the main agenda items of the meeting. Sheikh Hasina described the election as a “farce and staged drama.” She claimed that the public had widely responded to the party’s call to boycott the polls and said that the Election Commission’s announced 60 percent voter turnout figure was unrealistic.
Criticizing the role of domestic and foreign observers, the Awami League president said that while some praised the election within the country, they gave different types of reports abroad. She instructed party leaders to present evidence and analysis to the public explaining why the election was a farce.
The issue of the existing ban on the party’s political activities was also raised during the meeting. Sheikh Hasina termed the ban “completely illegal,” stating that the Awami League had committed no offense that would justify a prohibition under the Anti-Terrorism Act. At the same time, she described the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus as “illegal” and questioned the legal validity of its directives.
She expressed hope that the current government would soon withdraw the ban. However, she made it clear that if the ban is not lifted, the party will announce street programs according to its own decisions.
Several party leaders believe that the president’s directive to prepare for returning to the country indicates that a change in the political situation may be imminent. It is being perceived as a sign that the Awami League is preparing to return to active politics.
— Columnist: Fazle Rabbi Robona
