Ali Sikdar Calls on Australia Awami League Leaders and Activists to Work Together

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Mohammad Ali Sikdar (Ali Sikdar), Joint General Secretary of the Australia Awami League, stated that the organization’s activities abroad must be accelerated given Bangladesh's current political situation. To achieve this, Awami League leaders, activists, and supporters must stand united.

Calling upon activists and supporters at all levels to unite in order to reinforce the ideological principles of the Liberation War, Ali Sikdar told Dainik Bongolok in an interview that everyone must put aside internal differences or distances within the party and come together under one umbrella. He placed special emphasis on upholding the spirit of the Liberation War abroad, noting that mutual unity among party members is the core strength of the organization overseas. He added that maintaining close coordination between grassroots supporters and top-level leadership is essential to counter any form of confusion or disinformation.

According to party policymakers and local committee sources in Australia, organizational activities and various programs in Sydney have intensified following the recent political shift in Bangladesh. Protest rallies are being organized to voice opposition against the looting, vandalism, and arson targeting Awami League members' homes. Prior to this, key party leaders, including Ali Sikdar, played active roles in major organizational events, such as a protest rally and the submission of a memorandum outside the Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra.

In light of these developments, Sikdar emphasized that unity is crucial to maintaining a solid organizational structure abroad. He called on Bangladeshi expatriates across various Australian cities who share the Awami League’s vision and ideals to actively contribute from their respective positions. He stressed the need for unity to safeguard the party's image abroad and to shape public opinion in favor of the party during this period.

Sikdar noted that representatives of civil society must play a role in easing internal disputes among Awami League supporters and leaders abroad. He urged party members to work together against state-sponsored terrorism and to protect Bangladesh's history and heritage.

A former student leader of Jagannath University College, Sikdar highlighted his contributions to the Bangladeshi diaspora in Australia. He began his life in Australia as a student in 2000 and subsequently started working alongside Awami League supporters and activists. Engaging in real estate business, he claimed to be in a position to extend various forms of help and support to Bangladeshi expatriates. He also disclosed that three false cases have been filed against him solely due to his affiliation with the Awami League.

To minimize the impact of internal feuds, Sikdar appealed for a special council to strengthen the Awami League in Australia through a democratic process. He further called for an intensified membership drive to expand the party’s supporter base. Expressing optimism, he stated: "We are prepared to travel to Bangladesh in December to welcome Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The people of the country want only her now and are eagerly awaiting her return. The Awami League will return to power. Currently, the citizens are enduring severe hardships. Not just Awami League members and supporters, but everyone at home and abroad must unite to save Bangladesh from destruction."

Highlighting former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resolve to return, Sikdar stated that despite all obstacles and adversity, Sheikh Hasina has expressed a firm intent to return to Bangladesh by December, and party members are ready to welcome her back.

He further emphasized the critical need to resume the Awami League’s political activities, restore its political rights, and ensure the safety of its members. Sikdar called for an impartial investigation into the allegations of attacks, lawsuits, arrests, and torture directed at party workers. At the same time, he stressed the importance of fair investigations and justice regarding various incidents, including the killings of police personnel. In his view, all relevant parties must act responsibly to resolve Bangladesh's ongoing political crisis, safeguard public interest, and foster national unity.

Sikdar concluded by stating that during these testing times, Bangladeshis both at home and abroad must reduce political divisions and internal friction to work collectively for the welfare of the country. He reiterated his optimism regarding Sheikh Hasina's return, the restoration of the party's political rights, and the strengthening of its organizational presence.

He renewed his call for Australia Awami League leaders and activists to unite and reinforce democratic organizational processes through a special council.