Awami League quietly operates from Kolkata ‘party office’ as top leadership remains in exile

A discreet 'party office' of Bangladesh Awami League has been operating for months out of a commercial complex in a busy suburb on the outskirts of Kolkata. 

The low-profile location, devoid of party insignia or imagery, has become the meeting ground for top-tier leaders living in exile since August 2024.

According to a detailed BBC Bangla report, many of these leaders were once at the helm of Bangladesh's most powerful political party. Following Sheikh Hasina's departure from the country on 5 August last year, numerous Awami League and affiliated leaders moved to India, particularly settling in and around Kolkata.

In the early months of exile, party meetings were held in private homes, restaurants, or banquet halls. But the need for a fixed space led to the establishment of this unmarked office, roughly 500 to 600 square feet, on the eighth floor of a commercial building.

"We have no signboard, no portrait of Bangabandhu or the leader. We deliberately avoided anything that might reveal the identity of the place," said one senior Awami League leader. 

"This is a commercial office that we use as our party office. Even the furniture belonged to the previous tenant."

While smaller meetings still take place at private residences, the office can accommodate 30–35 people. For larger gatherings involving hundreds, the party continues to rent restaurant halls or banquet venues.

Exile community grows in Kolkata

Over the past year, at least 80 sitting and former MPs, district-level leaders, upazila chairmen and mayors have settled across Kolkata and its suburbs, according to party insiders. Some live with their families, while others share rented flats. A few have since moved on to the US, Canada, Australia and other countries.

"The number hasn't increased significantly in recent months," said a party leader. "Along with 80 sitting MPs, there are also around 10–12 former MPs currently here. Many others came through India on their way to other destinations."

Most of the senior leaders living in the Kolkata area frequent the makeshift party office as needed, though there are no fixed hours of operation.

It is not known how much the leaders or activists at various levels within the party are aware of this office.

However, it can be said with certainty that Indian intelligence agencies are aware of this office, and without approval from the highest levels of India's Ministry of Home Affairs, Awami League's activities could not have been conducted from this party office, according to BBC Bangla report.

Virtual operations, limited physical contact

Though speculation abounds that Awami League is being run from India, party leaders reject this. 

Bangladesh Chhatra League president Saddam Hossain said, "This assumption isn't accurate. How many leaders are actually abroad? The majority of us are still in Bangladesh."

Still, with Sheikh Hasina and much of the senior leadership outside the country, key directives and strategies are being shaped from India.

Until recently, even top leaders had not met Hasina in person. That changed on 31 July when several senior figures attended a meeting with her in Delhi. Multiple sources confirmed the meeting to BBC Bangla, though no details were disclosed.

Aside from such rare in-person interactions, most party activities are now conducted virtually. 

Dedicated WhatsApp and Telegram groups for various tiers of the party have been set up, and regular live-streamed events are held, often featuring the party chief herself.

"These digital platforms allow us to maintain contact with grassroots activists, hear their concerns, and offer direction," said former MP Pankaj Debnath. 

"Young people especially are active online, and we're focusing on reaching them there."

While running a party virtually cuts costs, living in exile has its financial burdens. Several leaders told BBC Bangla that they rely on well-wishers and family members for support.

"Our people, both in the country and abroad, have stepped up during this difficult time," said General Secretary Obaidul Quader. 

"It's their contributions that keep things running. Our morale is our main asset now," he added. 

Others have made lifestyle changes to adjust to their circumstances. 

"We're not living in refugee camps like in 1971, but many of us who lived privileged lives have had to adapt," said Debnath. 

"Those who wouldn't take a step without a car in Dhaka now travel by bus, train or metro. I live with three others in a flat. We even split taxi fares."

Why leaders fled while grassroot activist stayed

Questions continue to surface on social media about the apparent disconnect between grassroots workers, many of whom face arrest or violence in Bangladesh, and the senior leadership now based in India.

"This question isn't illogical," said Debnath. 

"But look back, would the Liberation War have been possible if our leadership didn't form a government-in-exile in 1971? I'm not comparing eras, but leaders like Nawaz Sharif, Benazir Bhutto, and Tarique Rahman have also operated their parties from abroad," he added.

"If we stayed in the country, we might be in jail, or worse," he said adding, "Then how could we organise politically or expose the failures of this current regime?"

Strategy against interim government

As Bangladesh's interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, marked its first year, the Awami League has focused on spotlighting its shortcomings.

"This government has failed across the board," Obaidul Quader told BBC Bangla. 

"From the economy to the judiciary, everything has collapsed. And instead of taking responsibility, they're blaming Sheikh Hasina and India. It's like they have an India-phobia, a Hasina-phobia."

Quader claimed the public mood is shifting. 

"The excitement that surrounded them a year ago has vanished. People no longer believe their words. Many now say things were better under Sheikh Hasina."

Chhatra League president Saddam Hossain, who has been in India since September last year, expressed frustration over being cut off from campus life.

"I really miss it," he said. "But even if I had been in Bangladesh, I wouldn't have been able to set foot on campus. Thousands of our activists still can't attend classes, take exams, or even get certificates. Their education has been halted simply for their political affiliation."

He claimed the repression extended beyond student activists. 

"Even HSC candidates have been blocked just because they come from families that support Awami League or hold pro-Liberation views."

As for how long the leadership plans to remain abroad, Obaidul Quader said, "Political struggles aren't fought on timetables. But we have no choice but to fight."