After nearly 18 months, Awami League leaders and activists have been seen making public appearances in various districts of the country. On Wednesday (February 18), there were incidents of breaking into the party’s abandoned offices in Noakhali, Barguna, Kurigram, Narayanganj, Shariatpur, Habiganj, Rajbari, Chittagong and Parbatipur, hoisting national and party flags and pulling down pictures of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina.

Earlier, leaders and activists reported their presence in four districts on Monday (February 16) and six districts on Sunday. These offices were vandalized and closed during the student-public uprising in July-August 2024.

Short rallies were also held at various places with the slogan ‘Joy Bangla’. However, immediately after the program, police conducted raids at several places and arrested some people. There was also an incident of arson at an office in Habiganj.

Noakhali

Leaders and activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League and Jubo League broke the lock of the Noakhali district office and hoisted a banner at the main gate. The banner was later removed. The incident took place at around 8 am at the Town Hall intersection in Maijdi. Police have arrested five people on suspicion of involvement. Sudharam Police Station OC Md. Touhidul Islam confirmed the matter.

Barguna

The national flag was hoisted and pictures of Bangabandhu and Sheikh Hasina were hung at the Barguna district office. Barguna Sadar Police Station OC Mohammad Abdul Alim said the police are working to identify those involved.

Kurigram

Flags were hoisted and banners were displayed at the district office in Kurigram. Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Md. Masud Rana said patrols have been intensified after learning about the incident.

Narayanganj

Five activists raised slogans and unfurled banners in front of the district and metropolitan offices at Rail Gate No. 2 in the city. They were led by Syed Sadim Ahmed, former human and social welfare secretary of the metropolitan Chhatra League.

Shariatpur

The leaders and activists opened the district office in Palong Bazar and raised slogans and took pictures of Bangabandhu and Sheikh Hasina. The video of the incident went viral on social media. Palong Model Police Station OC Shah Alam said the matter is being investigated.

Habiganj

The fire broke out a few hours after the district office opened. Fire Service Deputy Director Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad said they do not have official information about the fire.

Palace

Pictures of Bangabandhu and Sheikh Hasina were hung at the district office and several banners were seen hanging. The banner had a picture of Sheikh Sohel Rana Tipu, joint general secretary of the district Awami League. Additional Superintendent of Police Tapas Kumar Pal said that the police have inspected the scene.

Dinajpur

The leaders and activists held a short rally at the Parbatipur Upazila office by hoisting the flag. Later, the police conducted a drive and arrested five people. Parbatipur Model Police Station OC MA Faruk said that they were sent to court on the pretext of being arrested in a previous case.

Chittagong

A new identification plaque was installed at the Chittagong Metropolitan Office. The incident took place at Darul Fazal Market in the New Market area. Kotwali Police Station OC Md. Aftab Uddin said that the police went and found no one.