Even after political activities of the Awami League were banned in Bangladesh under what the party calls an “illegal and undemocratic order,” flash processions by the party continue to be seen almost daily in Dhaka. Despite the arrest of thousands of activists in recent months and strict surveillance by security agencies, these processions have not stopped—pushing the ongoing situation into a new dimension, both politically and in terms of security.
1. Processions Despite Crackdown: A Strategy to Demonstrate Political Presence?
According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) data, nearly 3,000 leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated bodies have been arrested over the past 10 months—most of them detained from these flash processions. On Friday alone, 46 people were arrested from seven different areas of the capital.
Political analysts say that in an environment of restrictions, sudden flash processions have become a tactic to maintain visible political presence in the media. Since the party traditionally depends on a structured and broad-based organization, staying active on the ground is a key element of its strategy.
2. Challenges for Security Forces: “Control” or “Overstretch”?
DMP Media Wing Deputy Commissioner Talebur Rahman has stated that activists from both inside and outside Dhaka are actively participating in the flash processions and that a network of “supporters” behind these activities is being investigated.
This has created a dual challenge for security forces:
The sudden nature of the programs makes preemptive action difficult
Prolonged surveillance and arrest operations are stretching the capacity of law enforcement
Failure to stop the processions raises questions about the government’s control capability
As a result, the matter is no longer just law enforcement—it signals a broader challenge to the government’s authority.
3. Questions Over the Effectiveness of Political Bans
Analysts believe that legally banning a well-established and mass-based political party like the Awami League cannot completely stop its political activities. Instead:
The ban forces the party to become even more organized
Cycles of repression increase political polarization
Secret or sudden programs intensify
They argue that when political space shrinks, it gives rise to conflict, resistance, and symbolic displays of power.
4. A Sign of Pre-Election Political Tension
The DMP says political activity is expected to increase ahead of the upcoming national election. Flash processions are seen as a reflection of that growing political tension. The government maintains that it is capable of stopping “any subversive activity,” but the ground reality shows that stopping the processions has become increasingly difficult.
5. Summary: Ban vs. Political Reality
Despite extensive arrest operations and strict surveillance aimed at stopping activities declared illegal, the Awami League continues to demonstrate its presence and organizational strength in the capital through persistent flash processions. This has put the government under pressure in two ways:
1. Questions about its security and control capabilities
2. Fears of escalating political conflict
Overall, analysts say that political dialogue—rather than bans—is more likely to ensure long-term stability.
