As the Bangladesh Awami League (AL) marks its 75th anniversary on June 23rd, we consider a rich legacy that has fundamentally shaped the fate of a country. From spearheading the fight for freedom under the relentless leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to negotiating the difficult road of nation-building and growth, the history of the Awami League is evidence of perseverance, vision, and unflinching loyalty to the people of Bangladesh.
The Awami League was founded in 1949 at a period when the ambitions of Bengalis under Pakistani control were being repressed. Under the charismatic direction of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, known as Bangabandhu, the party developed into a strong force for East Pakistan's rights and autonomy. Bangabandhu's historic Six-Point Movement articulated the demand for total independence by means of which the stormy events of 1971 were brought about.
Not just for the Awami League, but also for the whole country, the War of Liberation marked a turning point. Leading the front-stage fight, Bangabandhu motivated millions of people and gave them direction during the demanding months of war and sacrifice. On December 16, 1971, Bangladesh was born as a new country with triumph that signaled a time of hope and possibilities.
Following independence, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman set out the enormous task of rebuilding a country severely disrupted by war. His view of a "Sonar Bangla" (Golden Bengal) embodied his ideal of a self-sufficient, inclusive, and rich country. Emphasizing the rebuilding of infrastructure, the revival of the economy, and the construction of democratic institutions, the early years of independence were marked by the significant development of the country.
Still, this fortunate journey was suddenly cut short on August 15, 1975, when pro-Pakistani agents killed Bangabandhu and most of his family members. His two daughters-Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana- survived as they were abroad then. This disaster not only sent the country into mourning but also interfered with Bangabandhu's starting of a developmental momentum.
Following Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's murder, authoritarian government, military upheavals, and political unrest defined the decades that followed. The Awami League, which represented the democratic hopes of the people, continued in its opposition while being underprivileged and suppressed. Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina took up leadership of the party at a pivotal point in the fight to rebuild democracy.
Under Sheikh Hasina's direction, the Awami League ran a relentless campaign against military control in support of the return of civilian government and democracy.
The party was under extreme persecution, and Sheikh Hasina herself escaped many state-sponsored murder attempts, including the horrible explosion attack on August 21, 2004, while the Bangladesh Nationalist Party was in power. In the face of these challenges, the determination of the Awami League was constant; finally, it triumphed in the democratic battle and reclaimed power by public mandate.
Since returning to power in 1996, Sheikh Hasina's Awami League has undergone significant change in Bangladesh; from 2009 forward, it has also been more dynamic. Originally regarded as a "basket case," the country has since developed into a model of social improvement and economic growth in the developing world. The country is now considered as a developmental role model by the world leaders. Key successes under the direction of the Awami League include:
Rising from a low-income to a lower-middle-income country, Bangladesh has seen amazing economic development. Along with the matured leadership of the prime minister credit does in great part to a strong manufacturing sector, particularly in textiles, and significant infrastructural improvements, the area has often shown one of the greatest GDP growth rates. The government has heavily committed funds to social safety net programs, healthcare, and education. Projects like the Digital Bangladesh program have also sped technological adoption and innovation.
Significant projects including the Padma Bridge, Metro Rail, and vast road networks have helped to promote regional and economic integration by enhancing connectivity and therefore enabling trade and industry. By putting measures that give women's rights priority, ensure girls' educational possibilities, and raise female employment involvement first, the Awami League has promoted gender equality. Acknowledging the weaknesses related to climate change, the government has put sustainable practices and adaptive policies into use to lessen its consequences, therefore ranking Bangladesh among the leaders in climate resilience.
Over the years, Sheikh Hasina's veteran leadership has helped the Awami League to successfully get beyond many challenges. Her capable leadership has strengthened the party's unity and resilience as well as helped the country grow.
In the coming days, the Awami League has to start tackling corruption and advancing inclusive development going forward. Moreover, smart and flexible policies will be very necessary to reduce the uncertainty and fluctuations of the global economic scene.
Celebrating its 75th anniversary and considering a heritage of great pride and the future, the Awami League finds itself at a turning point. A remarkable story of resiliency and determination, the party's evolution from the leader of a liberation movement to the leader of a nation on the road to economic success and social progress is prevalent. Along with preserving Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's vision, the Awami League has created a fresh story of hope and progress for Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina's continuing leadership.
Future possibilities and difficulties are ahead. As Bangladesh keeps negotiating this complex terrain, the next chapter of its remarkable story will be shaped in great part by the Awami League's commitment to the values of democracy, justice, and inclusive progress. Under its credible leadership holding Bangabandhu's heritage in her blood, we hope the party will be able to reach these objectives. Let us congratulate the party's leadership and supporters for flying the party's banner for 75 years on this auspicious movement. We hope the party will invest its best efforts to turn the nation's destiny as it has been doing for many years.
The writer is a Professor in the Department of Public Administration at the
University of Rajshahi.
