Two years have passed since August 5, 2024. Following the historic July Revolution and the student-led mass uprising, many influential figures from the former Awami League government fled the country. While some remain in hiding inside Bangladesh, a significant number of heavyweight political leaders have been jailed. Former ministers, members of parliament (MPs), and mayors—once among the country's most powerful political figures—now face legal, political, and personal uncertainty both at home and abroad.
The situation is much the same for former ministers, mayors, and MPs from Sylhet. Most have left the country, while others remain in hiding. Several have been released on bail after serving time in prison.
Former Foreign Minister Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen, who represented the Sylhet-1 constituency, reportedly remained in hiding in Bangladesh for around six months before leaving for the United States through unofficial channels. He occasionally appears on social media. Former Sylhet-2 MP and former State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare Shafiqur Rahman Chowdhury is now in the United Kingdom after travelling via India. Former Sylhet-3 MP Habibur Rahman Habib is also reported to be in the UK.
Former Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid, who represented Sylhet-6, is reportedly in hiding inside Bangladesh. Meanwhile, former Sylhet-5 MP and Al-Islah leader Maulana Mohammad Husamuddin Chowdhury is believed to be in the country but has largely remained out of public view.
Similarly, ousted Sylhet City Corporation Mayor Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury, former Sunamganj-1 MP Advocate Ranjit Chandra Sarkar, former MP Moazzem Hossain Ratan, former Habiganj-2 MP Md. Abu Zahir, Moulvibazar politician Mohammad Jillur Rahman, and former bureaucrat Dr. Mohammad Sadiq are reportedly staying abroad in countries including the United Kingdom and India.
Former Moulvibazar-2 MP and Awami League Central Organising Secretary Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel is reportedly attempting to continue party activities from India and Malaysia.
Former Expatriates' Welfare Minister Imran Ahmad, former Agriculture Minister Dr. Md. Abdus Shahid, former Habiganj-4 MP Barrister Syed Sayedul Haque Suman, and former State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Advocate Md. Mahbub Ali are currently in jail in connection with various legal cases.
In contrast, former Planning Minister M.A. Mannan, who represented Sunamganj-3, was granted bail after his arrest and is continuing his legal battle from his residence. Likewise, former Sunamganj-5 MP Muhibur Rahman Manik has also been released on bail after serving time in prison.
Former Environment Minister Md. Shahab Uddin and former Dirai-Shalla MP Joya Sengupta are believed to be inside Bangladesh. However, their exact whereabouts remain unclear.
