After the government fell, Sheikh Hasina fled to India on 5 August 2024. A significant number of central leaders and former MPs soon followed. Over the past year and a half, those taking shelter in India have faced no major difficulties. According to Awami League leaders, the Indian government has treated them sympathetically.
This support from India had encouraged them to believe that the influential neighbour would eventually help them return home. This message was also conveyed to grassroots activists. Additionally, after Donald Trump won the US presidential election last year, party activists saw renewed hope. That optimism has since waned, though many still look to India and other foreign powers as potential saviours.
During and after the uprising, Awami League activists vented anger at the security forces. Many central leaders and former ministers blamed the military for the government’s collapse in foreign media interviews. Despite this, many activists continue to dream of regaining their lost political position.
A former cabinet member from the ousted Awami League government said the leadership now finds it necessary to keep activists hopeful. To maintain morale, they are assuring those inside the country that both domestic and foreign forces will ultimately support them.