Awami League President and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has indicated significant changes in the leadership of the Awami League, emphasising the need to sideline leaders disconnected from the grassroots and bring in a new generation capable of connecting with local realities and the youth.
In a rare exclusive interview with Bengali news portal The Wall published on Monday, Sheikh Hasina said the party would heed calls from its base for reform. She stated: โThe message coming from our grassroots level is absolutely clear…some leaders who were supposed to serve have lost contact with ordinary people.โ
She described the demand for new leadership as “reasonable,” adding: โA new generation of leadership needs to emerge from all parts of Bangladesh. Not just Dhaka’s elite circles, but voices from every district who understand local realities. The demand for new leadership is reasonable. One cannot expect different results by returning with the same faces.โ
Sheikh Hasina stressed that the Awami League is not a family dynasty, declaring: โThe Awami League is never just my family’s party. It is the party of those millions of ordinary Bangladeshis.โ
She added that any greater role for her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, or daughter, Saima Wazed, would have to be earned through merit and internal democratic processes: โIf Sajeeb or Saima take on more important responsibilities, it will be based solely on merit and the party’s democratic processes.โ
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New leaders, she said, must bridge generational divides, master both on-ground organising and digital communication, and adapt to changing realities without compromising the party’s principles.
Her comments come against the backdrop of allegations of external pressure on the party’s leadership. In a separate interview with BBC Bangla on November 29, 2025, Sajeeb Wazed Joy accused foreign powers of orchestrating an undemocratic effort to force changes in the leadership of Bangladesh’s major parties, including the Awami League and the BNP.
Joy described this as a “sinister game” undermining democracy, particularly under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. He firmly rejected any imposed changes, insisting: โWe are a democratic party. The party will determine who the future leadership will be. Neither I nor anyone else can dictate this from above.โ
On President’s Resignation
Sheikh Hasina viewed President Mohammed Shahabuddin’s announced resignation as evidence of the collapse of constitutional order under the interim government.
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She accused Yunus of systematically dismantling institutions, stating: โPresident Shahabuddin’s resignation decision clearly shows the impossible situation he was in… All these are signs of Bangladesh’s state apparatus crumbling under an unelected regime.โ
She concluded: โThe best way forward is to allow the people of Bangladesh to choose their leaders through free, fair, and inclusive elections where all political parties can participate.โ
On December 11, in a rare public expression of distress, President Shahabuddin articulated profound feelings of humiliation and marginalisation under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. Shahabuddin said that this decision stems from a deepening sense of sidelining by the Yunus-led regime, which he describes as having eroded his dignity and authority through deliberate acts of exclusion.
Despite his positionโs constitutional weight, Shahabuddin notes that Yunus has not met him for nearly seven months, his press department was stripped away, and in September, his portraits were abruptly removed from Bangladeshi embassies, consulates, and high commissions worldwide. This overnight elimination sent a chilling message, implying his own impending removal and fueling perceptions of instability.
Concerns Over Political Anarchy and Civil War Risks
Dismissing accusations that the Awami League is fomenting instability, Sheikh Hasina warned of extremists encouraged by the interim government creating chaos. She said: โThe people of Bangladesh do not want civil war; they want their voting rights restored.โ
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She recalled the party’s 15 years of stability and growth, expressing deep concern over rising lawlessness and her desire to return to help restore order.
Praise for India’s Support and PM Modi
Sheikh Hasina lavished praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for swiftly granting her asylum on August 5, 2024, saying: โPrime Minister Modi’s immediate response was a reflection of empathy and wisdom… His decision sent a clear message that India will not allow extremist forces to reshape South Asia’s political landscape.โ
She said India’s bipartisan support for her stay demonstrated a stand against extremism in South Asia.
Silence from Indian Parties on Awami League Repression
On the relative quiet from Indian political parties regarding the repression of the Awami League, she expressed respect for India’s position as a neighbour, noting it has condemned human rights violations while avoiding internal interference.
Virtual Engagement and Election Confidence
Sheikh Hasina highlighted her ongoing virtual connections with supporters, describing technology as strengthening bonds despite physical distance. She expressed confidence that, in a truly free election, the Awami League would secure a large share of votes.
She said: โThe conversations I have daily leave no doubt: if Bangladesh’s voters are given real choices, the Awami League will win a large share of the votes… Excluding us from elections means depriving the people of Bangladesh of the opportunity to elect a truly legitimate government.โ
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