Local Awami League activists working for BNP, Jamaat alliances to avoid arrest

In various constituencies across the country, leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations – whose activities are currently banned – have returned to their areas by taking shelter with candidates of the two main rival camps in the upcoming national election.

This picture has been seen in most constituencies. Until 9 February, the final day of campaigning, many of them were actively campaigning for BNP and Jamaat-led alliance candidates. They are now staying in their localities.

Following the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August 2024, most of the party's leaders and activists – from the central to the grassroots level – have been in hiding.

Explaining why they joined election campaigns on behalf of candidates from the two main rival alliances – once arch rivals of Awami League – they said that those named in cases after 5 August 2024 are working for these candidates to avoid arrests and harassment. 

They have been assured that, for now, police will not arrest them, and that if a government is formed after the election, they will be relieved of the cases. On the strength of these assurances, a significant number of local Awami League leaders and activists across the country are participating in the voting process, both openly and covertly.

Sher Tarikul Islam, former president of the Sylhet's Companiganj upazila Awami Tanti League, announced his joining Jamaat in December. Since then, he has been actively campaigning for Jamaat candidate Zainal Abedin in Sylhet-4. 

Speaking to The Business Standard, Sher Tarikul Islam said those who engage in treasonous activities out of lust for power should have no place in civil society. "That is why I resigned from the post of Tanti League president on 27 July last year," he said.

In Sylhet, an Awami League ward-level leader from Kochai union of South Surma was also seen campaigning for Mosleh Uddin Raju, the 11-party alliance candidate in Sylhet-3. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the leader said it is no longer possible to stay at home if one identifies as Awami League. "To avoid cases and police harassment, I am campaigning for the Jamaat alliance candidate. Although I am campaigning in the election, I am not currently active in politics," he said.

Like these two, many others in Sylhet associated with the Awami League have joined election campaigns for candidates. 

This has happened on a large scale in Sunamganj-2 (Dirai–Shalla). Many Awami League leaders and activists there are campaigning for BNP and Jamaat candidates. In this Awami League-dominated constituency, candidates are also making strong efforts to attract Awami League votes.

In this regard, BNP candidate for Sunamganj-2, Nasir Chowdhury, told TBS, "The Awami League is not an enemy; rather, it is a friend. The Awami League and BNP together liberated this country."

Jamaat candidate Shishir Monir said, "I have come here not as a party candidate, but as a son of the area. I have come for local development. That is why people are supporting me beyond party lines."

In Awami League-dominated Faridpur, BNP and Jamaat candidates are contesting fiercely this time. Several Awami League-nominated union parishad chairmen are working directly or indirectly for BNP candidates, while some are reportedly maintaining covert ties with Jamaat candidates.

Because of their reappearance in the election field, a section of Awami League supporters is heading to polling centres this time, according to party insiders.

Former Saltha upazila Awami League leader and former upazila chairman Md Ohid is openly working for a BNP candidate. Many union parishad chairmen in Bhanga upazila are also directly campaigning for BNP. 

Former Faridpur municipality mayor and city Awami League leader Mahatab Ali Methu has openly worked in the field for a BNP candidate. Former Nagarkanda upazila chairman Md Moniruzzaman Sardar has also begun working for a BNP candidate. Many Awami League union parishad chairmen in Boalmari–Alfadanga–Madhukhali are likewise campaigning for BNP candidates.

Of the six constituencies in Khulna, BNP faces no strong rival in four. In Khulna-5 and Khulna-6, however, there is a close contest between BNP and Jamaat. In these two seats, both parties are desperate to secure Hindu and Awami League votes.

BNP candidates in these constituencies have already held several rounds of secret meetings with Awami League public representatives. 

A former chairman and Awami League leader from Dumuria upazila in Khulna-5 said, "I had been in hiding outside Khulna for a long time. I came home during the election as I got the opportunity. I was assured that if I secretly work for the paddy-sheaf candidate, my cases will be withdrawn. Jamaat is also not exerting major pressure now; their local leaders even came to my house to seek votes."

An Awami League leader from Paikgachha upazila in Khulna-6 said, "Right now, Awami League leaders and activists are more valuable in the election field than BNP's own workers. To defeat Jamaat in this area, BNP has no option but to bring Awami League voters on board. As a result, the anti-Awami crackdown in the area has eased."

Awami League has announced an election boycott on social media. On Monday evening, an audio recording of party president Sheikh Hasina calling for a boycott was posted on the Awami League's official Facebook page.

(Local correspondents of TBS assisted in preparing this report.)