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Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is currently residing in a safe house provided by the Indian government. Initially, her sister, Sheikh Rehana, stayed with her full-time, but now she travels frequently between India and the United Kingdom. Since leaving Bangladesh after the public uprising on August 5th of last year, Sheikh Hasina has not met with any party members in person. Communication is limited to phone calls. She has been speaking with key leaders from approximately 55 district-level Awami League units through teams formed for this purpose, using the Telegram app. While she participates in these teleconferences via audio, no one has been able to connect with her via video call, nor have they seen her face. However, she reportedly spends at least five hours daily on phone calls with party activists, answering calls, reading messages, and responding to many of them.
Several responsible and important leaders of the UK Awami League confirmed this information to Daily Dazzling Dawn, but they declined to be named. They cited concerns that discussing Sheikh Hasina's activities could displease her.
Previously, Sheikh Hasina was known for taking selfies with party workers and engaging in video calls. However, since moving to India, she has not participated in any video calls. Awami League leaders have been unable to confirm whether this change is due to directives from the Indian government. The seasoned politician, who once championed "Digital Bangladesh," now operates solely through audio communication.
While former ministers and top leaders of the party residing in the UK declined to speak on the record, Yasmin Mahmud Polin, Convenor of the UK Jubo Mohila League, spoke to Daily Dazzling Dawn on Wednesday evening. She stated that Sheikh Hasina is well and remains highly confident about her eventual return. However, she is reportedly deeply troubled by the ongoing arrests and oppression of her party's activists in Bangladesh.
Another leader revealed that the Awami League's registration has been suspended in Bangladesh following the ban on the party, its affiliated organizations, and fraternal organizations. Sheikh Hasina reportedly joined audio calls with party leaders, urging them to take to the streets in protest. However, these directives have not been visibly implemented on the ground. Sheikh Hasina is said to be frustrated by the discrepancy between the promises made by top leaders about strengthening the organization during their long tenure in power and the current reality. Those actively communicating with Sheikh Hasina are also closely monitoring whether the United States will issue any statement or observation regarding the ban on the Awami League's activities.
