Reports of the Awami League opening an office in Kolkata sparked a wave of political reactions in Bangladesh.
Opposition parties have voiced concern, while the government says it is monitoring the matter. The Awami League, however, has denied the claim in an official statement.
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told a press conference that the party’s activities are banned in Bangladesh and that any activities abroad will be closely watched.
“If they attempt to create instability in the country from abroad, we will monitor and take action,” he said.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that Sheikh Hasina could be using Kolkata as a base for anti-Bangladesh activities.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said that if the news is true, the government must respond, as it would indicate “ill intentions.”
AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Monju expressed fears that the Awami League could use Kolkata to coordinate “terrorist or separatist activities” in Bangladesh, though he added such moves would ultimately harm the party.
NCP Joint Member-Secretary Saleh Uddin Sifat questioned India’s role, saying it was “concerning” for a neighboring country to allow such an office.
Citing BBC Bangla as the source of the initial report, several political leaders have commented despite no official confirmation of such an office.
The Awami League’s Facebook page has stated the report is false.
Meanwhile, a senior Kolkata journalist told Channel i Online that since August 5, many Awami League leaders who fled to India have been renting homes in areas such as Rajarhat New Town, Kalyani, Barasat, and Bongaon.
They reportedly meet weekly in New Town’s business center area, renting a floor in a government-controlled commercial building for gatherings.
However, no official documents confirm it as an Awami League office.
