In Dhaka, the Awami League and its affiliated organizations—despite a government ban on political activities—are becoming increasingly active on the streets.
On Friday (September 12), Awami League activists held processions in Banglamotor, Uttara, and Mirpur following Jumma prayers. The next day (Saturday, September 13), the party staged another rally in Agargaon, followed by a large evening demonstration in Dhanmondi organized by its youth wing, Jubo League.
Witnesses reported that the Dhanmondi rally began around 8 p.m. in front of Rapa Plaza on 27 Road and marched toward Road 32, chanting slogans against the government. Police later confirmed that two people were arrested.
A Jubo League leader participating in the rally said, “We marched to protest the government’s repression, the arrest of innocent activists, and the false cases against Sheikh Hasina and our party leaders and workers. They have sent our activists to jail with fabricated charges. We are no longer afraid of jail—let’s see how many jails they can fill. Our processions will only keep growing day by day.”
Abdus Salam, a street vendor near Rapa Plaza, described the sudden appearance of “a huge number of people” chanting slogans in favor of Sheikh Hasina and “Joy Bangla,” as well as slogans against the government.
Deputy Commissioner of DMP’s Ramna Division, Masud Alam, told reporters, “There was a procession toward Dhanmondi 27. Due to quick police action, the rally could not proceed very far. Two people have been arrested.”
Earlier that same day, around 10 a.m., leaders and activists of the “banned” Awami League staged a separate rally in Agargaon. Nearly a thousand participants—including members of Awami League, Swechchhasebak League, Chhatra League, and other affiliated groups—marched with banners, festoons, and placards, chanting slogans such as “Sheikh Hasina,” “Joy Bangla,” “Joy Bangabandhu,” and “Sheikh Hasina will return, the streets will shake.” The procession began in front of Bangladesh Betar (Radio Bangladesh) and ended at Agargaon intersection.
Awami League president Sheikh Hasina lost power on August 5, 2024, following an Islamists-led mass movement backed by army and subsequently went to India. Three days later (August 8), an interim government was formed. Since then, Awami League ministers, state ministers, senior leaders, and influential MPs have been arrested.
Despite the government’s executive order banning the party’s activities, the interim administration has been unable to fully stop Awami League’s rallies from taking place across the capital.
