In a notable shift in Bangladesh’s political discourse, a senior official in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government has said that reconciliation with the now‑disbanded Awami League is “not a bad idea,” provided the party first acknowledges responsibility for its past actions.
The remarks were made by Zahed Ur Rahman, the Prime Minister’s information adviser, during a press conference in Dhaka. The comments are being viewed as the first significant conciliatory signal from the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) administration towards the party formerly led by ex‑prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Rahman said any reconciliation process would require the Awami League to come forward and accept responsibility for its role in events that led to widespread political turmoil. According to him, the foundation for reconciliation must be established through discussions with the party’s senior leadership before any meaningful dialogue can begin.
“Reconciliation is not a bad idea,” Rahman said. “If someone wants to take such an initiative, I think it can be discussed. But the Awami League leadership must first acknowledge its responsibilities and engage in that process.”
He suggested that mediators or neutral actors interested in fostering national unity should first approach the Awami League and explore whether the party is prepared to participate constructively. However, he also noted that the conditions necessary for reconciliation are currently absent.
Rahman argued that the party has yet to show sufficient remorse for its actions, referring to the violent crackdown on anti‑government protests that contributed to the political upheaval of 2024 and ultimately led to the end of Awami League rule.
The remarks come amid continued economic and political uncertainty in Bangladesh, where the government faces pressure to stabilise the country while addressing long‑running divisions in national politics.
Political analysts say the statement is significant because it signals that the door to dialogue may not be completely closed. However, they also note that the conditions outlined by the government make any immediate reconciliation unlikely, leaving Bangladesh’s deeply polarised political landscape largely unchanged for now.