Awami League’s Decline in Bangladesh
The party that played a vital role in Bangladesh’s liberation is now facing severe repercussions on its home ground. The Awami League, once a symbol of independence, has been banned by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus due to alleged national security threats and ongoing investigations into war crimes. All party activities are now prohibited.
Under the leadership of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Awami League maintained power for over ten years. However, her tenure was marred by accusations of violent crackdowns during student protests last year, where nearly 1,500 demonstrators lost their lives in a significant uprising.
Historical Background
Originating from discontent with the ruling class of West Pakistan, the Awami League was founded on June 23, 1949, in Dhaka. Initially known as the “East Pakistan Awami Muslim League,” it emerged as a progressive voice for the Bengali population. Prominent leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became an iconic figure in the party’s history.
The party was instrumental in the 1952 language movement, advocating for Bengali to be recognized among Pakistan’s provincial languages. It strengthened its base among students, intellectuals, and rural voters through its emphasis on local identity and populist policies.
1970 Elections and Aftermath
In the 1970 general elections, the Awami League, led by Mujibur Rahman, secured a majority by winning 160 out of 162 seats in East Pakistan. However, West Pakistan’s refusal to transfer power led to significant unrest and a violent crackdown known as “Operation Searchlight.”
Bangladesh’s Independence
After failed negotiations, Bangladesh declared independence on March 26, 1971, with the Awami League leading the charge. Mujibur Rahman was arrested, but the Mukti Bahini (Liberation Army), supported by India, successfully fought for liberation, culminating in Bangladesh’s independence on December 16, 1971. Rahman later became the country’s first president and prime minister.
Challenges and Setbacks
The Awami League faced numerous challenges in the aftermath of independence, including reconstruction and rising hunger. In 1975, Mujibur Rahman implemented a one-party system, but he and most of his family were assassinated in a military coup just months later. The party struggled under the subsequent military regimes of Ziaur Rahman and Hussain Muhammad Ershad.
Resurgence and Struggles
In 1981, Mujibur Rahman’s daughter, Sheikh Hasina, returned from exile to lead the Awami League, rebuilding it through alliances with student groups and civil society. The party played a vital role in ending Ershad’s dictatorship in the 1990s, eventually returning to power in 1996 when Hasina became prime minister again.
However, after losing power in 2001, the Awami League faced political suppression. In 2007, both Hasina and BNP leader Khaleda Zia were arrested on corruption charges during a caretaker government.
Hasina’s Long Tenure
From 2009 onwards, Hasina’s leadership marked a significant but controversial era. Critics and human rights organizations accused her government of using authoritarian methods, compromising the electoral process and suppressing dissent. Despite widespread allegations of election fraud and media censorship, she remained in power until her exile in 2024.
Recent Unrest
In mid-2024, widespread student protests erupted over issues like fuel prices and unemployment, leading to a harsh crackdown by security forces, with over 1,400 protesters reported killed. The government faced immense pressure from civil society and opposition, leading to Hasina’s resignation on August 5, 2024, and eventual flight from the country.
By September, a provisional government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was established. The Awami League, now excluded from power, faces a ban under anti-terrorism laws, marking a dramatic fall from grace for a party that once championed freedom.
