In a bold act of political defiance, local activists have reportedly broken into a long-vacant Awami League office in the Betagi Upazila of Barguna. The incident, which occurred on Friday, marks a significant escalation in local tensions as supporters attempt to reclaim physical spaces that have remained shuttered since the political upheavals of 2024.
Forced Entry and Symbolic Reinstatement
The event unfolded at the Bura Mazumdar Union Awami League office located in the Badnikhali area. According to local residents and footage circulating on social media, several activists arrived at the premises, which had been under lock and key since the resignation of the previous government on 5 August 2024.
After forcibly breaking the locks, the individuals entered the building carrying the national flag. Once inside, they performed several symbolic acts to signal their presence:
Reinstalling portraits of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the party president, Sheikh Hasina.
Hoisting the national flag atop the building.
Fixing new party signage to the exterior of the office.
A Pattern of Local Volatility
This incident follows a similar confrontation earlier in the week. On Monday, a group of activists took control of the abandoned party office in the Betagi Municipal Market area. However, that reoccupation was short-lived; within hours, a counter-protest by local citizens resulted in the office being raided once more, with the restored portraits reportedly removed and destroyed.
| Date | Location | Primary Event | Immediate Outcome |
| 5 Aug 2024 | Betagi Upazila | National Unrest | Offices vandalised and padlocked. |
| Monday (16 Feb) | Betagi Municipality | Reoccupation attempt | Counter-protest and further damage. |
| Friday (20 Feb) | Bura Mazumdar Union | Lock-breaking & Flag hoisting | Video evidence viral; situation remains fluid. |
Post-Election Resurgence
Following the conclusion of the 13th General Election, there has been a noticeable shift in the local political atmosphere. While many party members and affiliated student leaders remained in hiding or kept a low profile for over a year, observers note that they are increasingly appearing in public to reassert their presence.
The local administration is reportedly monitoring these developments closely. The use of social media to broadcast these “reclamations” is seen by many as a calculated move to revitalise the party’s grassroots morale, despite the volatile security situation in the district. The authorities have yet to issue a formal statement on whether legal action will be taken regarding the forced entry into the abandoned facilities.