Is AL preparing to form govt-in-exile in Agartala?
Leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement claim that the ousted Awami League is preparing to hold a rally in Agartala, the capital of Tripura, India, amidst mass protests in Bangladesh. They suggest that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, currently in India, might participate in the event.
Abdul Hannan Masud, a coordinator of the movement, stated during an event in Noakhali that the rally could be used to announce a "government-in-exile" with Sheikh Hasina addressing the crowd. Hasnat Abdullah, another coordinator, echoed these claims, alleging that "murderer Hasina" is conspiring against Bangladesh from abroad, reports BBC Bangla.
Despite these assertions, neither the interim government nor officials have commented on the situation. However, multiple political parties and groups have called for the banning of Awami League politics in Bangladesh, accusing the party of "genocide." The interim government has also stated that Awami League and its allies will be barred from political activities.
The anti-discrimination student leaders claim to have inside information on Awami League's preparations for the rally, citing attempted meetings near the border in Cumilla. They believe that Awami League is attempting to destabilise Bangladesh by announcing a government-in-exile from Indian soil.
After the fall of Sheikh Hasina on August 5th, her son Sajib Wazed has several times said that his mother did not officially submit her resignation letter to the President. As a result, the Awami League president is still the 'legitimate prime minister' of Bangladesh, he said.
Coordinator Masud claimed, "We have come to know that Sheikh Hasina is planning to visit different countries to strengthen the morale of the leaders and activists by bringing forward such discussions."
What the AL says
Awami League officials, however, strongly deny the allegations. AFM Bahauddin Nashim, Awami League's joint general secretary, dismissed the claims as "baseless propaganda," blaming the interim government for spreading false information to distract from its own failures.
"They are now running these propaganda to cover their own failure. But they will not be able to do this. The responsibility for the failure must be taken by the interim illegitimate government,” said Nasim.
However, he admitted that many of the activists have already left the country and are still trying to leave. "If someone takes shelter outside the country to save his life due to the torture, attack and false litigation, can't he do that?" questioned Nasim.
Indian reaction
On the Indian side, government officials have also dismissed the claims as absurd and baseless, asserting that there is no evidence of any such preparations in Tripura or Agartala.
Furthermore, sources in India's Ministry of Home Affairs have confirmed that while some Awami League leaders have fled to India, they have been unofficially instructed to maintain a low profile and avoid any public political activities.
India has made it clear that while Sheikh Hasina is staying in the country for her own safety, she will not be permitted to engage in open political activities, including addressing rallies. Consequently, there is no expectation that the alleged rally or any public address by Hasina will take place.
In an exclusive discussion with BBC's Shubhajyoti Ghosh, a senior source in India's Ministry of Home Affairs stated, "The Awami League is attempting to gather strength on Indian soil to make a return to Bangladesh. That's why they're holding meetings near the border. It's clear they're trying to create a narrative to impress the people of Bangladesh. There's no reason for us to fall into that trap."
