Wed Feb 11 16:12:53 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Awami League Remains Underground as Bangladesh Prepares for Elections Following 2024 Uprising

The Story: As Bangladesh prepares for parliamentary national elections on February 12, 2026, the Awami League (AL) remains underground. The party’s top leadership, including deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is in exile. Grassroots leaders are actively analyzing the reasons behind the party’s overthrow in the 2024 uprising. The party is banned, and its workers hold meetings privately.

Key Points:

  • The Awami League is banned, and its top leaders, including Sheikh Hasina, are in exile.
  • Mid-level leaders attribute the party’s downfall to internal weaknesses following the death of Syed Ashraful Islam in 2019 and the unpopularity of subsequent leaders like Obaidul Quader and Asaduzzaman Khan.
  • Grassroots organizers felt mistreated as businessmen were brought into the party.
  • Awami League workers in Rajshahi faced attacks in July-August 2024, forcing them to seek refuge in Dhaka.
  • Party supporters express discontent with the ministers who surrounded Sheikh Hasina and reportedly benefited the most.
  • Some Awami League voters may support the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to stabilize the country.

Critical Analysis:
The historical context highlights widespread worker unrest across the region, with strikes and protests occurring in India concurrent to the events in Bangladesh. This suggests that the 2024 uprising that overthrew the Awami League may have been influenced by broader socio-economic grievances and anti-government sentiment among workers. The death of a Hindu tea garden worker in Bangladesh further exacerbates the situation and could be linked to the unrest and the party’s downfall. The timing of the news also reveals that the workers strike in India is happening concurrently with Bangladesh preparing for parliamentary elections.

Key Takeaways:

  • Internal leadership issues and the perceived sidelining of grassroots workers contributed to the Awami League’s downfall.
  • The unpopularity of key ministers and the influx of businessmen into the party alienated long-time supporters.
  • The 2024 uprising underscores deep-seated dissatisfaction with the previous government.
  • The upcoming elections are occurring amidst significant political instability and uncertainty.
  • Workers in Bangladesh may be voting for the BNP, showing instability, and may cause workers strikes.

Impact Analysis:
The Awami League’s future is uncertain, contingent on internal reforms and regaining the trust of its base. The stability of Bangladesh is at risk, with the BNP possibly gaining power because the workers are upset with the Awami League, which may affect relationships with neighboring countries. The BNP has an opportunity to capitalize on the widespread worker unrest. The election results will determine the trajectory of Bangladeshi politics and its regional relationships.

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