Mass Arrests, Mob Attacks Displace Millions of Awami League Activists

The Awami League has accused Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, of orchestrating a sweeping campaign of political repression that has displaced an estimated 15 to 20 million of its leaders, activists, and supporters across the country.

Since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, the party claims that Bangladesh has witnessed an unprecedented wave of political vengeance, marked by mass displacements, mob violence, false cases, extrajudicial arrests, and even targeted killings.

BNP–Jamaat Cadres and Arbitrary Arrests Blamed

According to statements from Awami League officials and displaced members, the violence and repression have primarily come from two sources: alleged mob attacks by BNP–Jamaat-e-Islami supporters, and warrantless arrests carried out by the state administration.

Many Awami League workers say they were forced to flee their homes overnight, without formal charges or legal protection. "For the safety of our families and ourselves, we had no choice but to leave. Now we live like fugitives in our own country," said one displaced party leader.

The party alleges that homes of thousands of its supporters—particularly in the Dhaka metropolitan area—were burned down or attacked, particularly in the days leading up to and following the government transition in August 2024.

From Political Leaders to Day Laborers

The displaced now live under harsh conditions. Many have migrated to other cities or rural areas, taking up menial jobs to survive. Some reportedly work as rickshaw-pullers, garment workers, or in low-paid private-sector roles—often under false identities.

Despite this, many claim they continue to conduct political activities in secret. "We cannot hold public rallies or meetings, but we are still organizing and strategizing underground," said another activist.

Human Rights Crisis of Global Proportions

The Awami League has termed the situation a major human rights crisis and one of the largest politically motivated displacements in recent South Asian history. Senior party leaders claim the current situation is a violation of constitutional rights, and they are pursuing diplomatic engagement with international bodies to raise awareness.

"This level of repression is unprecedented—not just for Bangladesh, but globally," said a central Awami League spokesperson. "We are calling on the international community to acknowledge the human rights violations taking place under the so-called interim regime."

The party has also accused the Yunus administration of using the state machinery for political cleansing, leaving millions without access to housing, healthcare, or legal protection.

As tensions continue to rise in the politically volatile country, observers say the growing reports of state-backed persecution could place increased pressure on international organizations and foreign governments to reassess their stance toward the current regime in Dhaka.