What’s Behind the Arrests of Awami League Activists on Their 77th Anniversary?

On the 77th anniversary of the Awami League, numerous activists were arrested in Dhaka as they attempted to defy a nationwide security ban. The party, founded in 1949, has faced significant challenges since the ousting of Sheikh Hasina in 2024. Despite restrictions, supporters rallied online and in person, leading to heightened tensions and police crackdowns. The situation escalated following the deaths of two activists, prompting protests and military deployments. This article explores the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh and the implications for the Awami League's future.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 23, 2026, 16:06 IST

Activists Arrested Amid Security Crackdown

Dhaka: In a significant crackdown, numerous activists from the disbanded Awami League party, previously led by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, were detained overnight as they attempted to commemorate the party's 77th founding anniversary, defying a nationwide security ban, according to officials on Tuesday.

Established on June 23, 1949, during the era of East Pakistan, the Awami League is recognized as Bangladesh's oldest political party and played a pivotal role in the country's Liberation War in 1971.

Following the overthrow of Hasina's government on August 5, 2024, amid violent protests known as the July Uprising, the party was disbanded by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. This decision was later ratified by Parliament under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's administration.

The Awami League has called on its supporters via social media to engage in digital discussions, display party flags, organize processions, and conduct poster campaigns to celebrate the anniversary.

A spokesperson from the police department reported that 26 members of the 'banned party' were arrested in Dhaka alone, with additional detentions occurring across the country as activists attempted to defy the ban amidst increased security measures.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed stated during a media briefing, "We have thwarted their plans thus far, and I anticipate that they will not be able to conduct any processions, rallies, or gatherings in the remaining time."

The DMP later confirmed that legal actions against those detained were in progress, emphasizing that operations would persist to ensure public safety and maintain order in the capital.

Despite the imposed restrictions, Awami League's social media channels shared videos depicting party leaders and activists participating in street marches, waving flags and banners, and chanting slogans.

On the eve of the anniversary, Hasina posted on social media, asserting, "We were not born to be defeated."

Currently residing in India since her ousting in 2024, Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia by Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal for her alleged role in suppressing the student-led protests.

The Awami League declared on social media, "We are returning with the support of the people, tenfold stronger."

Mainstream media in Bangladesh is prohibited from reporting on Hasina's statements or the activities of the Awami League.

However, regional media commentaries have featured Hasina accusing successive governments of weaponizing the judiciary, enabling 'mob terror,' and fostering a 'farcical' electoral environment.

In Barishal district, Awami League activists reportedly held unauthorized flash processions, prompting authorities to deploy additional police in riot gear.

Reports indicate that troops have also been stationed in Gopalganj, a traditional stronghold of the Awami League, where five protesters were killed in 2024 during a police crackdown on a march organized by leaders of the July Uprising, who later formed the youth-led National Citizen Party (NCP).

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated on Monday that the Awami League no longer functions as an organization.

"There is no organization by the name of Awami League," he remarked when questioned about the party's anniversary.

On the same day, the government deployed military and paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel to assist civil administration as tensions escalated over the anniversary celebrations and the reported deaths of two Awami League activists.

A spokesperson from the Home Ministry confirmed that military and BGB personnel would remain in Dhaka and five other districts, including Gopalganj, until June 30.

This redeployment occurred just a week after troops were withdrawn to barracks following nearly two years of law enforcement duties after Hasina's government was ousted during the student-led uprising.

Authorities had previously issued a nationwide security alert, citing intelligence reports suggesting that Awami League supporters might attempt to incite unrest surrounding the June 23 anniversary.

Tensions escalated following the deaths of two Awami League activists, one in police custody in Faridpur on June 20 and another who succumbed to injuries after a police chase in Barishal on June 21.

These incidents sparked local protests, including a brief blockade of a crucial highway connecting Dhaka to the southwestern city of Khulna.

In an unusual turn of events, senior leaders from the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Faridpur attended the funeral prayers of one of the deceased activists, condemning his custodial death. Authorities simultaneously deployed troops to avert any escalation.