Dhaka, Feb. 1 -- Since losing power, many top leaders, including the Awami League chief, have left the country, while those who remain are in hiding.

Dozens of cases have been filed against party members, with immediate remand upon arrest. The party's student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League, has also been declared a "banned organisation."

In the changed reality, Awami League's announcement of returning to street politics has raised questions about how feasible this will be.

The political forces involved in the July-August uprising have already said they will prevent Awami League's programmes.

Breaking six months of silence, the deposed ruling party claims it was "quiet" for the sake of its members' safety. Now, it says it is time to s...