DHAKA SIGNALS POSSIBLE POLITICAL RECONCILIATION WITH HASINA CAMP, BUT SETS ACCOUNTABILITY AS CONDITION

October 7, 2026 

DHAKA — Bangladesh's government has indicated that reconciliation with the political camp of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina could be possible, but only if the Awami League accepts responsibility for actions that authorities have attributed to the party during its years in power.

The government's position signals a potentially significant shift in Bangladesh's deeply polarised political landscape. Any move towards reconciliation would require the Awami League to acknowledge responsibility for alleged wrongdoing and address questions surrounding its conduct while governing the country.

The issue remains politically sensitive following the upheaval that transformed Bangladesh's political environment and forced Sheikh Hasina from power. The Awami League has since faced severe political and legal challenges, while divisions between rival political forces have continued to shape the country's transition.

Government representatives have indicated that reconciliation cannot simply mean restoring the previous political order. Instead, accountability and recognition of past actions would form an important part of any future political accommodation.

The possibility of dialogue could nevertheless open a path towards reducing political confrontation and creating greater stability. However, substantial disagreements remain over responsibility, justice and the future role of the Awami League in Bangladesh's political system.

The government's latest position therefore leaves the door open to reconciliation, but makes clear that any return to mainstream political engagement would be linked to accountability and acceptance of responsibility