Recent exodus of Awami League leaders—both former MPs and ministers—who have sought refuge abroad following the party’s downfall after a student and public uprising has sparked significant resentment among the party’s grassroots supporters.
These leaders, now leading comfortable lives in foreign lands, are facing accusations of abandoning the very workers who stood by the party during its difficult times.
Following the toppling of the Awami League government in the wake of the mass uprising in July-August, many central leaders of the party fled the country, with most now leading lavish lives overseas.
A significant portion of them are attempting to settle abroad, while others are waiting for an opportune moment to return.
However, many of these leaders are neglecting to check on the well-being of local party workers who are now struggling in the aftermath.
Some of these leaders have gone silent on social media, keeping their communication channels closed.
A few, however, have made exceptions, keeping in touch with regional leaders and workers over the phone.
On the other hand, grassroots members, who are now facing political and legal challenges, have taken to social media to express their frustration at the leaders’ indifference.
Sources indicate that after the fall of the Awami League government, most of the central leaders have gone into hiding, with a substantial portion now residing abroad.
In addition to central leaders, several former ministers and MPs are also among those who have fled the country.
Notably, several are attempting to make their stay permanent, while others are biding their time, looking for the right moment to return to Bangladesh.
A few of these leaders are reportedly in touch with local leaders and workers via phone.
Among those who have relocated abroad are former ministers including Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal (Home Affairs), Tajul Islam (Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives), Advocate Jahangir Kabir Nanak (Textiles and Jute), and Nasrul Hamid Bipu (State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources). A list of central leaders currently in India includes AFM Baharul Alam Nasim, Mirza Azam, SM Kamal Hossain, Advocate Afzal Hossain, Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel, Sujit Roy Nandy, Asim Kumar Ukil, and Mrinal Kanti Das.
Former education minister Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel has reportedly travelled from India to another country.
Additionally, former fisheries and livestock minister Abdur Rahman, former youth and sports minister Nazmul Hassan Papon, former shipping state minister Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, and former expatriates' welfare and foreign employment state minister Shafiqul Rahman Chowdhury are known to be in London.
Joint general secretary Mahbub-ul Alam Hanif is reported to be in Canada, while former foreign minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, who was also highly active in media interactions during his tenure, has been notably absent since the political shift.
Some reports suggest that he may be in Belgium, although his exact location remains unclear.
Several former Awami League MPs and leaders have sought political asylum in the UK since the change in government. Former MP from Narayanganj, Nazrul Islam Babu, is now in Switzerland.
Many other leaders are believed to be in various European nations, including Portugal.
Some leaders are reportedly in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, where they hold year-long visas, with several having been spotted recently in Dubai and other Gulf countries.
Among the leaders currently in the UK are former MPs and leaders such as Ranjit Chandra Sorkar, Bidhay Kumar Saha, and Syed Sohail Ahmed, who are seeking political asylum.
Former shipping state minister Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury’s daughter had already been studying in London, and his wife also frequently travels there.
The family of former minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed, too, has been reported to be residing in the UK.
In addition, prominent Awami League figures such as Presidium member Abdurr Rahman, former cabinet secretary Kabir Bin Anwar, former city councillor Azadur Rahman Azad, and former Sylhet mayor Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury are among those living in the UK.
According to sources, following the downfall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, several leaders of Awami League and its student wing, Chhatra League, crossed into India through the Tamabil border in Sylhet in the late afternoon on the day of the government’s collapse.
As the immigration process became increasingly difficult, hundreds of Awami League and associated leaders and workers resorted to illegal crossings through various borders in Sylhet’s Gowainghat, Kompaniganj, and Kanaighat areas, making their way to India, and eventually to countries like Dubai, the UK, the US, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, and others.
Some former Chhatra League leaders, speaking anonymously to the media, expressed their dismay: “We put our lives on the line for the party in its time of crisis. Now, many central leaders, ministers, and MPs are enjoying luxurious lives abroad and showing no concern for us. We are being attacked, facing lawsuits, and taking risks to hold protests and observe important days, yet not a single central leader has contacted us.”
A leader from Dhaka South Division added, “We endured jails and torture, while some leaders in foreign lands enjoy their sweet lives. During the good times, we were kept at a distance. Now, those who abandoned us during the hardest times should not expect to lead our party in the future.”
