The fall of the Awami League from power has unleashed chaos within its ranks, leaving its leaders scattered and its activists demoralised. Accusations of corruption, money laundering, and undermining democratic processes continue to haunt the party.
Rather than introspection, the leadership has leaned into conspiracy narratives, blaming foreign intervention, particularly by the United States, for its ouster.
Three months after its dramatic downfall, the party appears disconnected from ground realities, with senior figures announcing programs from abroad while grassroots activists grapple with despair.
A party in denial
The Awami League leadership, rather than acknowledging past missteps, is attempting to draw parallels between their struggle and global political figures like Donald Trump.
However, political analysts argue that the party's actions—persistently organising protests and programmes—are a thinly veiled attempt to provoke clashes and garner sympathy through potential casualties.
“This approach will only push the Awami League further into oblivion,” warned one political observer. Analysts have urged the party to abandon confrontational politics, apologise for its misdeeds, and rebuild trust at the grassroots level.
Disarray in leadership and strategy
Since the mass uprising on August 5, which toppled the government, the party has maintained an eerie silence. There is no clarity on the whereabouts or intentions of Sheikh Hasina, the party's longtime leader. Internal discussions on whether to introduce interim leadership remain inconclusive, further fueling speculation about the party’s future direction.
A former cabinet member dismissed the need for acting leadership, claiming, “The Awami League can operate digitally. Sheikh Hasina remains irreplaceable.” However, this sentiment has failed to quell discontent among mid-level leaders and grassroots activists.
Grassroots abandoned
For many loyal activists, the fall of the party has brought existential dilemmas. After decades of service, they now face threats and persecution, while senior leaders remain insulated.
One disillusioned activist remarked, “We’ve given everything to this party, but those at the top have reaped the rewards. Now, when our lives are at risk, they are nowhere to be found.”
Several reports indicate that disillusioned activists have even contemplated or attempted suicide, reflecting the psychological toll of the party’s decline.
Others remain in hiding, fearful of retaliation, while questioning the utility of risking their lives for a leadership that appears increasingly out of touch.
Mixed reactions among leaders
Divisions are evident within the Awami League on the question of strategy. While some leaders advocate silence and reflection, others argue for keeping the political field active. “If we go silent now, we risk irrelevance,” said one senior leader. Another cautioned that remaining vocal without addressing public grievances could further alienate voters.
Despite sporadic attempts to organise, recent programmes have been sparsely attended. Leaders and workers have been detained, and in some cases, physically assaulted while trying to implement directives from abroad. Even routine party events, such as Shaheed Nur Hossain Day, have been poorly attended, signaling a decline in morale and organizational strength.
Conspiracy or accountability?
Awami League Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim has doubled down on claims of a conspiracy behind the party’s fall. “We knew there was a plot, but the extent of it shocked us,” he said, pointing to intelligence failures in addressing grassroots grievances like the quota reform protests.
However, experts believe that the party’s narrative of victimhood risks further alienation.
Dhaka University Professor Dr Saber Ahmed Chowdhury noted, “The Awami League was caught unprepared for the uprising. Any aggressive movement now will be detrimental. They should focus on coexistence and rebuilding their credibility.”
The road ahead
The Awami League’s leadership crisis, combined with public resentment over corruption and authoritarian practices, has left the party at a crossroads. Calls for reflection and grassroots engagement remain overshadowed by a stubborn refusal to address past wrongdoings.
As the political landscape shifts, the party’s future depends on its ability to reconcile with the electorate and shed its image as a symbol of excess and impunity. Whether the Awami League can rise from its ashes or remains trapped in its cycle of denial remains to be seen.