Many Awami League leaders and activists who went to India after losing power amid a mass uprising in Bangladesh remain there two years later, BBC Bangla reported. Several told the outlet they are preparing to return to Bangladesh following Sheikh Hasina’s call. Speaking at Delhi’s Foreign Correspondents’ Club on Wednesday, Hasina said she wanted to return by December, though she gave no details on when or how such a return would occur.

BBC Bangla said at least 70 presidium members, former lawmakers and senior leaders of affiliated organisations of the banned party are living in West Bengal, mainly Kolkata and nearby areas. The report also said about 40 police officers of different ranks are there. Party sources said roughly 200 leaders, police and military officers had previously stayed around Kolkata, while more than a thousand grassroots and mid-level activists had been in Kolkata, Siliguri and Tripura.

Those interviewed said they live in rented homes and receive financial help from relatives or friends. They described maintaining political contacts and online activity through Facebook, Messenger and WhatsApp. Former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said he and party colleagues were prepared to return and face legal proceedings.