Awami League: A Journey of Triumph and Trials

 The Awami League, the oldest and most influential political party in Bangladesh, is more than just a political entity. It is a symbol of liberation, a voice of the people, and an architect of national transformation. But behind the glory of its rise lies a complex reality—a series of challenges, criticisms, and warning signs of decline that the party can no longer ignore.

Let us explore the Awami League’s glorious rise, its historic achievements, and the growing shadows of political decay that may shape its future.

 Founded on June 23, 1949, in Dhaka's Rose Garden, the Awami League (initially "East Pakistan Awami Muslim League") was born as a response to West Pakistan’s political dominance and discrimination. Led by leaders like Maulana Bhashani, Shamsul Haque, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, the party quickly became the political voice of the Bengali people.

From the Language Movement of 1952 to Sheikh Mujib’s Six-Point Movement in 1966, the party’s activism laid the foundation of an independent Bangladesh. In the historic 1970 general elections, the Awami League won a majority, but was denied power—triggering the Liberation War of 1971, with Sheikh Mujib emerging as the Father of the Nation.

After independence, the Awami League formed Bangladesh's first government. The Constitution was drafted in 1972. But the party faced enormous challenges—war-torn infrastructure, famine, economic instability, and administrative inexperience. Tragically, on August 15, 1975, Sheikh Mujib and most of his family were assassinated in a military coup, plunging the party into a long period of political exile.

Under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Sheikh Mujib, the Awami League gradually returned to political relevance. After long years in opposition, it regained power in 1996, lost again in 2001, and then came back with a historic landslide victory in 2008. Since then, the party has remained in power for three consecutive terms, overseeing a period of rapid infrastructural and economic development.

Under Sheikh Hasina's leadership, Bangladesh has witnessed dramatic transformations:

Padma Bridge (self-financed)

Metro Rail in Dhaka

Karnaphuli Tunnel

100% electricity coverage

Digital Bangladesh initiative

RMG sector expansion and GDP growth

These projects have earned the Awami League global praise for turning Bangladesh into a rising South Asian economy.
 

Despite these achievements, signs of political and institutional decay are becoming hard to ignore. Let’s explore the key issues signaling the Awami League’s potential decline:

1. Democratic Backsliding:

The electoral process has come under intense scrutiny, with opposition parties frequently sidelined. Allegations of vote rigging, suppression of dissent, and a shrinking space for political opposition have weakened democratic 

2. Institutional Partisanship:

From the judiciary to the civil service, party influence is visible. Recruitment, promotions, and administrative decisions are often seen as politically motivated, eroding public trust in neutral institutions.

3. Corruption and Financial Scandals:

Several high-profile financial scandals, including banking frauds, stock market manipulations, and allegations of embezzlement, have tainted the party’s image. While the government has launched anti-corruption drives, critics argue that many efforts are selective and politically targeted.

4. Student and Youth Wing Violence:

The ruling party’s student ( Chattra League ) and youth party league  (Jubo League ) wings have been repeatedly accused of extortion, campus violence, and even criminal activities. The leadership's failure to rein in these groups has led to public resentment.

5. Disconnect from the People:

A prolonged stay in power has created an elite political class that is increasingly distant from grassroots realities. Rising costs of living, unemployment, and inequality are pressing concerns that are not being addressed adequately.

 History has shown that no political force, no matter how strong, is immune to public disillusionment. The Awami League may still be dominant, but it now increasingly relies on power structure and administrative control, rather than grassroots popularity, to maintain its position. This shift is a classic indicator of systemic political erosion.

 The Awami League has given Bangladesh freedom, identity, and development. But to preserve this legacy, it must confront its internal flaws. Without restoring democratic integrity, ensuring accountability, and reconnecting with the masses, the party risks a gradual but inevitable decline.

The question now is not whether the Awami League has achieved greatness—it has. The real question is: can it reform before its own success becomes the cause of its fall?

Source : North Bulletin