Following Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election on February 12, the banned Awami League has intensified efforts to re-enter national politics. While the BNP-led coalition proceeds with forming a new government, Indian diplomatic and media circles have repeatedly discussed the future of Awami League and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. On February 14, India’s The Tribune published an ANI-based interview with former Indian High Commissioner Veena Sikri, who suggested that Bangladesh’s new prime minister might consider lifting the political ban on the Awami League.

The interview also noted that the BNP alliance narrowly outperformed the Jamaat-e-Islami coalition, reflecting a competitive political landscape. Meanwhile, Awami League offices in several districts, including Khulna, Dinajpur, and Panchagarh, have reopened after years of closure, signaling renewed grassroots activity. In contrast, Sheikh Hasina remains convicted in multiple cases, including a death sentence for crimes against humanity and a 10-year corruption sentence, and is currently in India as a fugitive.

Analysts warn that rehabilitating the Awami League before accountability for past abuses would be unjust, underscoring the political and judicial tensions shaping Bangladesh’s post-election environment.