Bangladesh Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has issued a hard-hitting directive to party leaders and activists, urging them to put aside internal divisions and immediately mobilise on the streets amid what she described as systematic repression of opposition voices.
Speaking at a recent virtual meeting with party members, Sheikh Hasina called on activists not to lose morale despite arrests, legal cases and alleged attacks on Awami League supporters across the country. She warned that those responsible for repression would ultimately be held accountable.
“Those who are carrying out oppression today—keep records of their faces, collect evidence, photos and videos,” she said. “The time will come when every act will be judged, strictly and without exception, through the rule of law.”
According to party sources, Sheikh Hasina expressed deep anger over what she termed widespread harassment and crackdowns targeting Awami League leaders and workers. She accused the current administration of attempting to establish a climate of fear by suppressing dissenting political views, and urged party members to confront the situation with courage rather than fear.
Addressing grassroots activists directly, she said, “Do not be afraid. Forget all differences and take to the streets now. Those who are abusing power today—using police or unleashing violence on our people, destroying homes—remember their faces. Preserve every piece of evidence. I promise you, every injury will be accounted for.”
Sheikh Hasina also strongly criticised what she described as the role of “overzealous” officials within the administration, alleging that some were violating the law to serve political interests. Warning of future consequences, she said, “Those who think this is the end are living in a fool’s paradise. When the balance of power changes, no excuse will save those who violated human rights.”
Political analysts say the unusually aggressive and confident tone of Sheikh Hasina’s message has reinvigorated party activists at the grassroots level after a prolonged period of pressure. The timing of the statement is also significant, coming amid heightened political tension in Dhaka around December 25, with reports of emergency preparedness measures at hospitals adding to the sense of unease.
Her remarks quickly spread across social media, drawing sharply divided reactions. Government critics described the speech as an attempt to incite instability, while Awami League supporters viewed it as a decisive call to regroup, reclaim political space and prepare for confrontation.
Overall, Sheikh Hasina’s warning is widely seen as a signal that Bangladesh’s political landscape could become increasingly volatile in the days ahead.
