Abstract: The Awami League, a key political force in Bangladesh, faces a critical juncture following Sheikh Hasina's resignation and rising opposition. This study explores the party’s historical leadership, current political challenges, and potential future, focusing on electoral controversies, leadership struggles, and prospects for regaining public trust amid political unrest.
Introduction
The Awami League, one of Bangladesh's most prominent and historically significant political parties, has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's political, socio-economic, and foreign policy trajectory. The party was at the forefront of the country's liberation struggle in the 1970s and remained a dominant force in Bangladeshi politics post-independence. However, recent political upheaval in Bangladesh and the consequent resignation of the erstwhile Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have posed unprecedented challenges for the party. This paper attempts to examine the impact of recent developments on the party that governed Bangladesh for the past 15 years and future challenges and prospects before it.
The Formation of the Awami League and its Political Ideology
The Awami League was established in June 1949 as the East Pakistan Awami Muslim League, after breaking away from Pakistan's Muslim League. The party rapidly gained support in East Pakistan, advocating for the rights of the people of East Pakistan (Bangladesh) and autonomy during Pakistan's rule.[1] Under the charismatic leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, regarded as the founding father of Bangladesh, the Awami League spearheaded the struggle for Bangladesh's independence in 1971.[2]
The party’s political ideology, based on four pillars of secularism, nationalism, democracy, and socialism was instrumental in shaping the principles enshrined in the country's first constitution in 1971; and set the stage for the establishing a secular and inclusive Bangladesh.[3] Following Bangladesh's independence, the Awami League won the first national elections in 1973, establishing its position as a key political force and the government focused on economic development, social justice, and regional cooperation.[4]
However, the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975 led to a period of political turmoil, during which many party leaders were arrested or killed.[5] In 1981, Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's daughter, returned to Bangladesh and assumed leadership of the party. In December 1990, Bangladesh's last military leader, Lieutenant General Hussain Mohammad Ershad, stepped down amid widespread public support for the movement spearheaded by the Awami League for democracy and the protection of human rights.[6]
Consolidation of Awami League in Bangladesh Politics
Under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, the party grew significantly, promoting a secular, democratic outlook and became a principal force in Bangladeshi politics. Sheikh Hasina’s tenure as Prime Minister of Bangladesh was marked by both significant achievements and considerable challenges related to governance, democracy, and electoral transparency. It is under her leadership that the Awami League cemented its political dominance, particularly in the 21st century.
Sheikh Hasina first came to power in 1996, after a long period of opposition. Despite significant achievements under Awami League rule, including notable social welfare programs and infrastructural developments, the party lost the 2001 elections. Allegations of corruption and nepotism overshadowed the party’s accomplishments, contributing to their electoral defeat. The Awami League spent the subsequent years in opposition and under the rule of a military-backed caretaker government until it returned to power in 2009.
After 2009, the Awami League saw an unprecedented period of political dominance in Bangladesh, winning four consecutive national elections. Nonetheless, the government formed by the party faced criticism from human rights organisations who raised concerns about alleged crackdowns on political opposition and curtailing media freedom.[7] For instance, the abolition of the caretaker government system for elections in 2011 sparked widespread protests and accusations of undermining democratic processes.[8] The 2014 and 2018 elections, both of which resulted in landslide victories for the Awami League, were marred by allegations of vote-rigging and electoral malpractice. The opposition boycotted the 2014 election entirely, while the 2018 elections were considered rigged and the transparency of the election process was questioned by the opposition.[9]
Historically, the Awami League and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) enjoyed a relatively equal share of votes, but since 2014, the Awami League has increasingly consolidated its power. This dominance was reflected not only in electoral victories but also in the demoralisation of opposition forces, particularly the BNP, which lacked the organisational strength and leadership to challenge the ruling party. Over the years, the government arrested many leaders of the BNP on charges of corruption and criminal activity, which significantly weakened the party's political influence. The government also restricted the opposition’s ability to mobilise by frequently taking punitive actions against BNP leadership, including the imprisonment of its Chairperson, Khaleda Zia, which further diminished the party’s leadership.[10] The JeI, a long-term ally of the BNP, also faced considerable challenges during this period.[11] These actions led to the Awami League solidifying its dominance in Bangladesh's political arena.
The Awami League also worked tirelessly to strengthen its grassroots presence across Bangladesh. The party’s membership grew significantly, as Sheikh Hasina sought to integrate diverse social, economic, and political groups into the party’s fold. This expansion was facilitated by the induction of new members and the establishment of local party offices in both rural and urban areas. The leadership of the Awami League also placed considerable emphasis on improving party discipline and addressing internal factionalism that existed within local party structures.
The consolidation of the Awami League’s power was evident in both national and local elections, where the party was able to mobilise significant grassroots support. The party worked closely with affiliated organisations, such as labour unions, women’s organisations, and farmers’ associations, to further entrench its influence across different sectors of society.
The Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of the Awami League, played a crucial role in consolidating the party’s influence, particularly in educational institutions. Known for its loyalty to the Awami League, the BCL was instrumental in expanding the party’s influence on university campuses and among the youth. BCL members have often dominated student politics at major universities, including Dhaka University and Jahangirnagar University, reinforcing the party’s presence among the younger generation.
Despite the successes of the Awami League in consolidating its political position, challenges persisted. Internal rifts within the party, particularly between newer members and those with longer affiliations, were evident. Moreover, the party’s reliance on political patronage to maintain control presented further organisational challenges, even as it continued to dominate the political landscape of Bangladesh.
Recent Developments: A Blow to the Foundation of the Party
The Awami League has continued to face accusations of corruption and of empowering paramilitary forces such as the Ansar Bahini, giving them the authority to detain individuals, critical of government.
In the 12th Parliamentary Election held on January 7, 2024, the Awami League secured 222 out of 300 seats. Ahead of the January 2024 general elections, the AL government faced allegations of suppressing opposition voices who were demanding the concurrent government conduct free and fair elections. The BNP called for a nationwide strike in protest, while the Awami League encouraged citizens to participate in the election, assuring them that it would be free and fair.[12]
However, international criticism, including the US-imposed visa restrictions on those seen as obstructing free and fair elections, further underscored concerns about the state of democracy under the Awami League’s governance.
Following the fall of the government and subsequent departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from Bangladesh to India, several prominent members of the Awami League have been either arrested due to their involvement in recent protests or forced into hiding, reflecting the current state of turmoil within the party’s ranks.[13]
Besides it has led to a leadership vacuum within the party and its future political trajectory.[14] At present, the Awami League is facing significant challenges from opposition parties and civil society groups. Across Bangladesh, mobs have targeted properties linked to the party and its leadership, including residences, business establishments and the party’s central office in Dhaka reflecting the intense anger against the party. The interim government has taken steps to restore peace and order.
Challenges and Prospects
The Awami League, once lauded for its secular principles and governance, is now grappling with a tarnished reputation and widespread anger among the people. The critical challenge before the party is to fill the leadership vacuum and re-invent and recover to once again work in gaining the support of the people.
In the changing political environment, the Awami League has to now redefine its role and strategy. Its ability to adapt to present changes will be crucial for maintaining its relevance and influence in Bangladeshi politics.
Though the party faces an immediate crisis, its deep-rooted presence in Bangladeshi politics and history makes it unlikely to be completely erased from the political landscape. Its contribution to Bangladesh’s independence and development cannot be forgotten. At present it remains to be seen how the party contends with finding new leadership restoring its image amidst the ongoing turmoil, and cooperating with the interim government established.
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*Madhu shree Dwivedi, Research Intern, Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi
Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal.
Endnotes
[1] The Indian Express. 2024. Sheikh Hasina, Khaleda Zia, Jamaat-e-Islami: What to know about 5 key figures in Bangladesh politics. August 8. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/sheikh-hasina-jamaat-awami-bnp-bangladesh-9496706/.
[2] Ibid
[3] Mostofa, Shafi Md. 2024. "Faith, politics, and power: The evolution of secularism and authoritarianism in Bangladesh." World Affairs. April 15. https://doi.org/10.1002/waf2.12015.
[4] Bhattacharjee, Joyeeta. 2020. Migration, river management, radicalisation: What does the future hold for India-Bangladesh relations? May 12. https://www.orfonline.org/research/migration-river-management-radicalisation-what-does-the-future-hold-for-india-bangladesh-relations.
[5] Chauhan, Alind. 2024. From killing Mujib in 1975 to ‘taking responsibility’ in 2024: the role of the army in Bangladesh. August 7. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/role-of-army-in-bangladesh-9496610/.
[6] Karthikeyan, Suchitra. 2024. The rise and fall of Sheikh Hasina . August 6. https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/sheikh-hasinas-legacy-1988-2024-ushering-democracy-progress-in-bangladesh-to-autocracy/article68489610.ece.
[7] Amnesty International. 2023. "Bangladesh 2023." Amnesty International. https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/asia-and-the-pacific/south-asia/bangladesh/report-bangladesh/.
[8] BBC. 2011. Bangladesh ends caretaker government arrangement. BBC.
[9] BBC. 2014. Bangladesh's bitter election boycott. BBC.
[10] Shanta, Hasina Afruj. 2020. The Caretaker Debate, 10th Jatiya Sangsad Elections and Recent Trends in Bangladesh Politics.". Accessed 08 07, 2024. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2007651439.
[11] Chaudhury, Dipanjan Roy. 2024. The Economics Times. August 07. Accessed 10 07, 2024. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/the-revival-of-isi-backed-jamaat-e-islami-in-bangladesh-does-not-bode-well-for-india/articleshow/112327115.cms?from=mdr.
[12] Bose, Sohini. 2024. Priorities for Prime Minister Hasina’s New Term in Bangladesh. New Delhi: Observer Research Foundation.
[13] Islam, Arafatul. 2024. DW IN FOCUS. 10 7. Accessed 10 7, 2024. https://www.dw.com/en/bangladesh-whats-next-for-hasina-and-the-awami-league/a-70394892.
[14] Bhardwaj, Sanjay K. 2024. Behind Sheikh Hasina government’s fall, Bangladesh’s long history of confrontational politics. New Delhi: The Indian Express.