Banned Awami League leaders and activists are reportedly returning to Bangladesh through the Comilla border ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr and Independence Day. Local sources said that following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in the July uprising, many Awami League and Chhatra League members had fled to India. Now, after the BNP formed the government, they are allegedly reentering the country illegally, as most lack valid passports. Intelligence sources claimed that some returning Chhatra League leaders brought foreign weapons with funding from former Awami League MPs.

Local residents reported that Sajjad Hossain Swapan, a fugitive Awami League leader accused in multiple murder cases, recently returned and began reorganizing party members. BNP officials in Comilla denied any institutional support for the banned group, though some local BNP figures were accused of sheltering Awami League members in exchange for money. The BNP’s grassroots expressed anger over joint iftar events involving both parties.

Border Guard Bangladesh officials stated that no illegal entry had been detected so far, while police confirmed that anyone accused in the July uprising cases would be arrested if found.