Leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations have said they are alert and determined to repel any attempt by BNP to create chaos on February 8 over the verdict in the Zia Orphanage Trust case, which could find BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia guilty of corruption and send her behind bars for seven years.
Awami League high command and central leaders of its various wings have already ordered their activists to take preparations to prevent any possible protests from their arch political rival on the streets after the verdict, say ruling party sources.
However, senior leaders claimed Awami League men will not be out to provoke or engage in any clash with BNP supporters.
Last week, Dhaka’s Fifth Special Judge Court, which has been trying Khaleda and five others, set February 8 to deliver its judgment in the corruption case, which was filed by the Anti-Corruption Case (ACC) in 2008 against the six for embezzling Tk2.1 crore from the Zia Orphanage Trust’s fund.
After that, law enforcement agencies have also said that they would be vigilant that day to prevent any kind of chaos.
Several leaders of the ruling party and its affiliated organizations told the Dhaka Tribune that they have decided not to allow BNP to take control of the capital’s streets and build up momentum for a new political movement.
An Awami League Presidium member, requesting anonymity, said the BNP would definitely try to show off its strength by launching a movement if its chief Khaleda was convicted in the graft case.
“Khaleda is the only hope BNP has and if she is convicted, BNP will try and do everything to keep her out of jail. But we are aware of BNP’s moves,” said the ruling party leader. “On the day of the verdict, Awami League will be on the streets too. Our affiliated organizations have different programs planned for that day if they have to take control of the streets to stop BNP.”
Warning BNP, Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sayeed Khokon said: “If BNP tries to break the law, Awami League leaders and activists will teach them a good lesson. We will protect the people and public property from BNP’s attempt to create anarchy that day.”
Awami League’s Dhaka North unit General Secretary Sadek Khan also told the Dhaka Tribune that their leaders and activists from each and every ward, upazila and union would be on high alert.
He added that they would finalize their February 8 program plans at a meeting on Sunday.
Central leaders of various ruling party wings, including Chhatra League and Jubo League, also said they would be on the streets with all their strength.
Awami League Publicity and Publication Secretary Hasan Mahmud on Thursday also called on party activists to remain vigilant in the field and resist BNP if they try to create any unrest over the graft case verdictAt a human chain in Dhaka, he said: “The indication of unrest has already started. They [BNP activists] attacked the police and snatched detainees in a filmy style attack [on Tuesday].”
He said BNP activists from across the country were now coming to Dhaka to ‘create unrest’ on February 8.
Asking Awami League activists to be careful about them, Hasan said: “Just inform the law enforcers as soon as they are spotted.”Sections of this article were first published on banglatribune.com
Thursday, June 04, 2026
