The top leadership of Bangladesh Awami League remains firmly attached to its old political position, with no visible sign of leadership change or ideological reform despite growing internal discussions over the idea of a “refined” or “reformed” Awami League.
According to party insiders, some leaders had viewed a “refined Awami League” as the party’s best possible path to survive politically and eventually return to active politics. The proposal centered on bringing forward comparatively less controversial and more publicly acceptable leaders. However, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has reportedly shown no interest in the idea and remains unwilling to step aside from the party presidency.
Sources said friendly countries and well-wishers had informally conveyed proposals for party reform before the 13th national parliamentary election held in February. Similar discussions reportedly continued after the election, but Sheikh Hasina only hinted at the possibility of appointing one or more spokespersons instead of changing the party’s top leadership. She reportedly preferred leaders currently living abroad for such roles, a position that failed to satisfy those advocating reform.
As a result, discussions surrounding a “refined Awami League” are now considered effectively dead.
Party insiders say many Awami League leaders and activists remain uncertain about how the party can return to mainstream politics. Frustration is growing within sections of the organisation, while some believe the party may regain political space only if the current government becomes unpopular or commits major political mistakes.
Sources familiar with party activities said that since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, the party’s more hardline and controversial figures have become increasingly active. These leaders are reportedly unwilling to admit mistakes or express regret over past actions. Instead, they are advocating sporadic protest marches, provocative slogans, and attempts to create anti-government sentiment within the state administration.
According to multiple sources, Sheikh Hasina continues to make key policy decisions for the party, often in consultation with family members. Presidium member Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Joint General Secretary A F M Bahauddin Nasim are said to be playing active roles in coordinating party activists inside Bangladesh and those remaining in hiding.
Meanwhile, former state minister Mohammad A. Arafat, Office Secretary Biplob Barua and several others are reportedly involved in softer diplomatic and communication efforts with foreign organisations and international contacts.
Many within the party believe that international actors and friendly governments are unhappy with the Awami League’s refusal to embrace reform. However, party leaders reportedly do not expect any foreign power to actively facilitate the party’s political return under the current global political environment.
Several leaders also believe that even if the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party adopts a less harsh position toward the Awami League in the future, it would still not allow the return of the party under Sheikh Hasina’s old leadership structure.
With the party’s activities banned by the interim government and the restriction still in place under the BNP-led administration, the Awami League has lost not only state power but also much of its organisational network, political standing, and field-level influence. Many senior leaders remain abroad, while a significant number of activists inside the country are facing imprisonment and legal cases.
In this context, the “refined Awami League” concept emerged as a proposal to rebuild the party under a new leadership structure free from controversial figures. Political analysts argue that the allegations and controversies surrounding the current leadership make a direct political comeback difficult, especially in terms of domestic and international acceptance.
The debate over a restructured Awami League first gained attention during the interim government period last year, when Hasnat Abdullah publicly claimed that a plan backed by India was being discussed to form a “Refined Awami League” under figures such as Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, and Fazle Noor Taposh.
However, party insiders say hardliners within the Awami League remain convinced that there is no alternative to Sheikh Hasina’s leadership. Some even argue that if leadership change becomes necessary, it must come from within her family. For now, though, they insist the priority is regaining permission for political activities before any internal reform can take place.
