Dhaka, Feb. 3 -- Exiled Awami League members have been plotting a political return from India as Bangladesh prepares for its first national election since Sheikh Hasina's government was toppled by mass protests, The Guardian reports.

Writing on Tuesday, the UK-based newspaper said senior party leaders now living in Kolkata see the ousted prime minister's return as possible even though the party has been suspended, barred from contesting in the Feb 12 election and its leadership faces serious criminal charges at home.

Awami League leaders are listed as fugitives accused of crimes including murder, sedition, embezzlement and crimes against humanity in numerous cases in Bangladesh. Yet, The Guardian reports, in shopping malls and food cour...