Awami League leaders in exile hopeful for change after US election

Leaders and supporters of the Awami League, currently in exile after the fall of Sheikh Hasina‍‍`s government in Bangladesh, are eagerly waiting for the results of the US presidential election on November 5. 

Their spirits lifted recently when former President Donald Trump condemned violence against minorities in Bangladesh in a Diwali message.

In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Trump said, "I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are being attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos. It would never have happened on my watch." 

The Awami League quickly shared his message, translated into Bengali, believing that a Trump win could help them return to power in Bangladesh.

Several Awami League leaders spoke to us from exile in India, expressing their hopes after Trump‍‍`s statement. 

They noted that Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the interim government, has strong connections with the Democratic Party. 

During a recent trip to the US for the UN General Assembly, Dr. Yunus attended an event hosted by the Clinton Foundation, where he talked about the "July revolution," describing it as a well-organized movement. 

He thanked the foundation for its support and asked for continued help in building a new Bangladesh.

One former cabinet member mentioned that if Trump wins, they might have better relations with him and other Republicans.

Another leader in India shared that many Awami League members are preparing to go back to Bangladesh after the election.

Since the uprising on August 5, around 100,000 Awami League leaders and supporters, including former ministers and officials, have fled to India. 

Meanwhile, about ten million supporters remain hidden in Bangladesh, fearing arrest or mob violence. 

They are all waiting for a chance to return, depending on the US election results, which they believe could change the situation in Bangladesh.

In a leaked phone conversation, an Awami League activist in Nepal said that Sheikh Hasina told her supporters to work for Trump in the upcoming election. 

Hasina mentioned she is close to Bangladesh and might return as early as December, claiming she has not officially resigned as Prime Minister. 

A former central leader stated, "We are all waiting for her instructions now," emphasizing that communication has mostly been through phone calls.

Despite the interim government taking power after the uprising, Awami League leaders believe that the current US administration supported the movement. 

They are hopeful that a change in the US government will give them a chance to come back to power in Bangladesh.