Hasnat Abdullah, coordinator of the Anti-discrimination Student movement, has said that Awami League is secretly plotting rehabilitation to regain political power, following recent events and statements.
In a video message posted on his verified Facebook page on Monday afternoon, Hasnat alleged that the AL was maneuvering to restore its hold on the country, despite the recent political upheavals.
‘Only the signboard of the syndicate has changed’: Hasnat Abdullah
He referred to a statement by President Mohammed Shahabuddin, where the president said that no resignation letter had been submitted by Sheikh Hasina before fleeing the country.
Hasnat interpreted this as a sign that the Awami League was strategizing a comeback under the guise of political rehabilitation.
"We have seen Chhatra League's recent activities at Chittagong University, where they appear to be laying the groundwork for rehabilitation," added Hasnat. "In Dhaka, various factions of the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League are attempting to regroup. When you connect these incidents, it becomes evident that they are trying to revive the fascist structure."
He also expressed concerns about administrative and judicial efforts being made to aid the party's rehabilitation, claiming that "attempts are underway to restore the Awami League through institutional mechanisms."
To counter this, the coordinator emphasized the need for national unity, calling on citizens to join forces to resist the party’s resurgence.
Referring to past political alliances, he said, "Before August 5, we were all united against the tyranny of Awami League. We stood together as the oppressed, fighting against the oppressor." He lamented that individual interests had caused divisions after August 5, creating an opening for the Awami League to plot its return.
Hasnat urged people to stay united, rise above political affiliations, and resist the party's rehabilitation efforts. "We must maintain our presence on the streets and ensure the Awami League is uprooted from the soil of Bangladesh," he said, calling for a permanent ban on the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League.
In response to President Shahabuddin's comments, Hasnat posted on Facebook, claiming, "Hasina has been ousted; the people have overthrown an illegal government through an uprising. There is no question of a resignation letter here."