A significant number of leaders and activists from the now-banned Bangladesh Awami League have relocated to Kolkata and its surrounding areas in the Indian state of West Bengal. This group includes at least 70 individuals who previously served as members of the party’s presidium, held positions as members of parliament, or occupied top leadership roles within various affiliated organizations.
According to a report by BBC Bangla, these individuals began crossing into India at various times following the events of August 2024. The presence of these figures extends beyond senior leadership, encompassing mid-level and grassroots party members, as well as approximately 40 police officers of various ranks.
At one point, the concentration of these individuals in the region was notably higher. Estimates suggest that at the peak, roughly 70 former members of parliament were staying in the area. When combined with leaders from associate organizations, district-level representatives, and officials from both the police and military, the total number of people hiding in and around Kolkata reached approximately 200. The number of grassroots and mid-level Awami League activists residing in locations such as Siliguri and Tripura was estimated to exceed a thousand.
Sources within the Awami League indicate that many leaders who initially arrived in India have since migrated to various countries in Europe, America, and Southeast Asia, depending on their personal resources and existing connections. Several individuals who spoke with BBC Bangla claimed that they continue to work for the party from their respective locations abroad, primarily maintaining communication and conducting various activities online.
For those who remain in hiding, describing their situation as a strategic move, there is an ongoing process of mental preparation. These party members and associates are preparing for the possibility of returning to Bangladesh and facing whatever circumstances may follow.