Several party leaders based in Western countries are reportedly gathering in Kolkata, preparing to return to Bangladesh alongside the former prime minister as she plans to announce her return date and roadmap.
Awami League leaders living in various Western countries are gradually returning to India, with many beginning to gather in Kolkata ahead of party president Sheikh Hasina’s planned return to Bangladesh in December.
Several of them reportedly want to return to Bangladesh at the same time as Hasina, while others are preparing to travel from different countries to coincide with her homecoming.
Two members of the Awami League presidium, one joint general secretary and two organising secretaries, who have been staying in Kolkata for more than two years, confirmed the development to The Times.
Meanwhile, in an interview with the Associated Press (AP) on Wednesday, Hasina reiterated her intention to return to Bangladesh in December. She said she could face arrest upon her return and that her death sentence could even be carried out.
Asked whether she was seeking assistance from India or the United States to ensure her safety, Hasina said she had not sought help from any foreign power. She added that she was prepared to accept whatever fate awaited her, whether arrest or death.
According to party leaders, Hasina may announce the date of her return and a roadmap through an online press conference with journalists from Western media outlets, joining from London, sometime in mid-November or towards the end of the month.
Party activists and leaders are now waiting for the announcement.
A leader currently based in London said details of the planned press conference would be announced next week once all preparations were complete.
Meanwhile, leaders who have returned to Kolkata from Western countries are regularly meeting senior party figures who have already been staying there. They are also participating in a series of meetings as preparations for Hasina’s proposed return gather momentum.
Dhaka, 7th November
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