A number of senior figures from Awami League (AL) have fled the country in the wake of mounting political pressure, fearing legal action and public backlash. Many of these leaders, particularly from the Sylhet region, are now planning to settle abroad as they face little hope of returning to party politics in the near future.
Sources within the party confirm that several leaders who left the country after August 5, when tensions within the party reached a boiling point, are now seeking political asylum in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. Others, particularly those who held parliamentary seats, are reportedly attempting to reclaim their British passports to secure residency in the UK.
Those who are unable to settle in Western nations like US, Canada or European countries, alternative plans are being explored. Some have turned to the Middle East, seeking work or residence permits in countries where migration opportunities are more accessible.
Sources said, in August, following the departure of Sheikh Hasina, which sent shockwaves through the country’s political landscape. As the ruling party struggles to navigate mounting opposition and public dissatisfaction, many within the AL have sought refuge in neighboring India and abroad.
Among those who left for UK are Sylhet district Awami League president and former state minister Shafiqur Rahman Chowdhury, former mayor of City Corporation Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury, metropolitan Awami League joint general secretary Azadur Rahman Azad and Bidhan Kumar Saha, district Awami League organizing secretary and former MP advocate Ranjit Sarkar, former MP Habibur Rahman Habib, Sylhet district Awami League information and research secretary Mobassir Ali, metropolitan Jubo League general secretary Mushfiq Jaigirdar, former organizing secretary MA Hannan, Sylhet metropolitan Swechasebak League president Aftab Hossain Khan.
Apart from this, more than half a hundred leaders and activists of Sylhet Awami League are currently staying in the UK. Several party leaders have confirmed that Bidhan Kumar Saha and Ranjit Sarkar have applied for political asylum in that country. Shafiqur Rahman Chowdhury and Habibur Rahman Habib revoked their British citizenship and elected in the country. They are now thinking of settling in that country without thinking of returning to the country.
Other leaders are also monitoring the situation. If the situation does not improve within the next three-four months, they are also planning to apply for political asylum.
Meanwhile, Sylhet district Awami League executive members Manjur Shafi Chowdhury Elim and Shahidur Rahman Chowdhury Javed, mahanagar Chhatra League president Kishwar Jahan Sourav are staying in the United States. All three were US citizens but had been staying in the country for several years for political reasons. For now, they have also put the thought of returning home out of their heads.
Abdul Alim Tushar, former general secretary of Sylhet mahanagar Chhatra League, has moved to Canada with his family. He is also thinking of settling there.
Apart from this, district Chhatra League president Nazmul Islam, his elder brother former Chhatra League leader Kamrul Islam and Wali Ullah Badrul are in Saudi Arabia and the vice president of metropolitan Swechasebak League Emdad Rahman is currently staying in Dubai. Sources said that some of the leaders and activists still staying in India are preparing to go to UK within a month.
A leader of Sylhet Awami League, who is staying in UK, said that we have to wait at least 10 years for a favorable environment for Awami League politics in Bangladesh. Dozens of cases have been filed against each leader in the country. If someone returns home, he will go to jail.
Apart from this, the houses of most of the leaders have been looted, businesses have been destroyed. So many have abandoned the thought of returning home. Some have already applied for political asylum. Some are taking another month or two to apply. Some people are protesting at Sylhet-owned business establishments for work.
(Translated by Tanvir Raihan)
