The Evolution of the Awami League: A Historical Perspective
One of the most well-known and historically important political parties in Bangladesh is the Awami League. Under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s leadership, it separated from Pakistan’s Muslim League and became the East Pakistan Awami Muslim League in June 1949. The Awami League proved instrumental in Bangladesh’s independence, helping the country break away from Pakistan and subsequently establishing the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in 1971, guided by four fundamental ideas, nationalism, secularism, socialism, and democracy .
To achieve political and economic centralization, Mujibur Rahman established a one-party system in 1975 under the Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BAKSAL). But the experiment came to an abrupt end when he was assassinated in a military coup in August 1975.
After Mujibur Rahman’s death, the Awami League (AL) faced years of political upheaval but remained a dominant force. While in exile in India, Sheikh Hasina became involved in party activities and was ultimately elected as AL’s president in 1981. She later returned to Bangladesh and led protests against military dictator Hussain Muhammad Ershad, which resulted in mass uprisings and eventually the restoration of parliamentary democracy in 1991.
While Sheikh Hasina lost to Khaleda Zia of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the 1991 election however, under Sheikh Hasina leadership, the Awami League regained power in 1996. But the win was short lived as BNP took the political ground again in 2001. It was during the 2008 general election, that the party made a remarkable comeback, winning 230 out of approximately 300 parliamentary seats, cementing its influence in Bangladeshi governance.
The Awami League has a long history of bitter political competition with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Both the parties have differences in their ideologies, while Awami league is more secular, BNP is nationalistic with strong emphasis on islamic identity. The relation between the two has been marked by legislative boycotts, extensive strikes, and protests.
However, the Awami League maintains a significant presence through dynamic youth and student organizations such as the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) and the Bangladesh Awami Jubo League, which actively participate in political mobilization, grassroots action, and shaping public discourse to achieve the party’s goals. While these student organisations have amassed extensive youth support for the party, it has nevertheless come under fire for judicial politicisation, political favoritism, and intra-party violence. There have also been claims of wrongdoing, coercion, and improper influence. The two youth wings that have been connected to factional infighting, campus violence, political intimidation, and the stifling of opposing voices.
In spite of criticism the Awami League is Bangladesh’s leading political force, influencing economic policy, diplomatic relations, and social progress. The party continues to organize massive youth support and retain grassroots contacts, resulting in electoral triumphs.
Legislative Grounds and Rationale Behind the Ban
The Awami League, the reigning party for 15 years under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, had its political activities officially outlawed by Bangladesh’s interim government on May 10 2025. The ban was put in place in response to claims that the party killed over 1,400 people during the July 2024 rebellion by using excessive force against demonstrators. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina now faces legal proceedings on charges of corruption and abuse of power, which her supporters have criticized as politically motivated.
Additionally, the party has been charged with manipulating elections in order to maintain its hold on power, particularly in 2009, 2014, and 2018. Furthermore, investigations suggest that the party violates human rights by stifling free expression, detaining opposition figures, and stifling critics . There have also been accusations that the Awami League “severely squeezed” Bangladesh’s political space and “compromised” its sovereignty because of its involvement in corruption and stealing which secretary Shafiqul Alam has labelled as “kleptocratic rule” .
Following the “Monsoon Revolution,”—a series of large-scale student-led protests that took place last year, the Awami League was banned under the Anti-Terrorism Act by the interim ministry, which was led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Meanwhile, president Shahbuddin issued an ordinance revising the Anti-Terrorism Act that forbids public meetings, press releases, or social media posts endorsing any of the people or organizations tried under the act. The act clarified that, until the party and its leadership are tried under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, for the murders of hundreds of demonstrators, the ban will stay in effect.
While the ban has generated protests from a variety of political groups, like the newly created National Citizens Party (NCP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, it was suddenly welcomed by the BNP, which opposed it last year. Furthermore, different responses have originated internationally. The Human Rights Watch has denounced the change, calling it unduly harsh and restricted, while India has fiercely protested the decision, warning that it could cause instability in the region.
Awami League and India: A Strategic Partnership
India has strong diplomatic and trade connections with Dhaka under Hasina, in whom India has invested heavily in recent years, making Bangladesh India’s biggest trading partner in South Asia.
Sheikh Hasina had been a crucial ally in partially reversing the political, logistical, and security quagmire brought about by the 1947 division of India and Pakistan.
The relationship between the Haseena government and India is based on mutual respect and trust. Through organizations like G20 and BIMSTEC, both countries participate in high-level diplomatic visits and collaboration. Under Haseenas’ direction, security cooperation has increased in areas such as defense exchanges, border management, and counterterrorism. Additionally, connection has increased, thanks to interior rivers that facilitate trade, cross-border bus services, and restored rail ties. Regional logistics are improved by the operationalization of the ports at Chittagong and Mongla. Furthermore, regular military exchanges maintain a high level of defense cooperation.
In the last 15 years, Hasina has repaired roads connecting Dhaka to Kolkata and Agartala in India that were severed after 1947. Under her governance Bangladesh built bridges, reopened railway lines, making it easier for cargo ships to access the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries, thereby bringing the two countries closer.
In the Security sphere, cooperation between India and Bangladesh strengthened under Hasina. During her tenure, Bangladesh assisted India in quelling a rebellion in the northeastern Indian state of Assam by refusing to grant safe haven to rebels crossing the border.
Sheikh Hasina’s prime ministership improved relations between India and Bangladesh by inking a $1 billion river development project with India despite her close connection with China, a move which highlighted both the criticality of Hasina’s administration for the largest democracy as a regional hegemon and for regional stability.
Furthermore, the depth of India’s relation with Sheikh Hasina’s government is highlighted in the fact that even after her government was overthrown owing to a political crisis, eventually resigning and fleeing the country, India still hailed Haseena for her tenure was relatively quiet in terms of security, as she cracked down on anti-India radicals in her country. She also gave transit rights to states bordering Bangladesh in order to safeguard commercial routes..
However, the dismissal of the Awami League by Muhammad Yunus’ temporary government has substantially disturbed the formerly peaceful India-Bangladesh relationship. India has expressed severe worries about the political shift, particularly the ban imposed on the party under a revamped anti-terrorism statute, which opponents claim was passed without sufficient legal process. Given the Awami League’s importance in promoting regional cooperation, its absence has caused uncertainty in diplomatic engagements, particularly commerce and security collaborations.
India has stressed the value of political inclusivity and encouraged Bangladesh to respect democratic values by holding free and fair elections. Relations have become even more strained as a result of the interim government’s failure to stop increasing attacks on minority groups, especially Hindus. Since India has always had a stake in defending the rights of minorities in the area, reports of a rise in intercommunal violence and relocation have caused anxiety in New Delhi.
Due to the failed efforts to stabilize Bangladesh, Yunus has accused India of meddling in its internal affairs, which has increased tension. His portrayal of the crisis as a “war-like situation” has increased tensions between the two countries and may have an impact on bilateral talks on security and economic accords. India’s strategy toward Bangladesh may need to be strategically reevaluated if political unrest intensifies, especially with regard to border security and migration regulations. The changing circumstances suggest that there may be major obstacles to India-Bangladesh relations for some time to come.
The Future of Awami League: Challenges and Prospects
Following its recent prohibition by Muhammad Yunus’s temporary government, the Awami League’s future in Bangladesh is still up in the air. The party, which was crucial to Bangladesh’s independence and governance for many years, is currently having a difficult time regaining electoral traction.
Awami League supporters have been persecuted and subjected to political repression as a result of the prohibition, which has caused widespread unrest. The party’s registration has been stopped, prohibiting it from running in future elections, despite Sheikh Hasina denouncing the ban as unconstitutional and accusing the interim administration of harming democracy. Hasina is one among several Awami League leaders on trial for suspected corruption and crimes against humanity.
Emerging groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) are trying to fill the political void left by the ban. Elections are being called by the interim government, but political unrest and escalating demonstrations could cause delays. In line with the aspirations of the military leadership, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party has been advocating for elections by December.
Meanwhile, five political groups, including the NCP and the Jamaat, have pledged to assist Yunus’ administration in completing required reforms before the elections. However, tensions remain high, with different factions seeking immediate election dates and the dismissal of controversial advisers.
Furthermore, Sheikh Hasina has accused Yunus of “selling the nation to the United States,” escalating tensions. She has cited previous disputes over St. Martin’s Island, claiming that Yunus has jeopardized Bangladesh’s sovereignty. The interim government’s move to suspend the Awami League’s registration has raised fears about democratic backsliding, with Yunus himself allegedly considering stepping down in response to the mounting crisis. The situation continues to be turbulent, with protests disrupting major cities and uncertainty over Bangladesh’s political future.
Analysis
Bangladesh’s political environment is changing as a result of the recent ban on the Awami League and the overthrow of Hasina’s administration, which create serious geopolitical risks. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, who have a history of opposing India, could change Bangladesh’s foreign policy stance to one that favors China and Pakistan if they gain power.
The transformation could result in stronger economic and strategic connections with Beijing and Islamabad, altering regional alliances and affecting India-Bangladesh collaboration, particularly in security and commerce. Furthermore, Chinese influence may grow, potentially affecting South Asia’s strategic balance. There is a chance of Islamist politics resurging, complicating India’s regional security worries.
From a peace and conflict studies perspective, the restriction has the potential to increase political tensions, resulting in civil unrest and instability. If opposition forces are unable to build a balanced governance model, Bangladesh may face internal fragmentation, damaging its economic and diplomatic engagements.
Although India has benefited from its long-standing relationship with the Awami League, a strategic reassessment is required in light of Bangladesh’s changing political climate. Given the sensitive nature of South Asian political changes and the necessity of ongoing communication, proactive diplomacy is essential to maintaining regional peace and reducing security threats.
About the author …
Kazey Farooq is an academic writer with a Master’s in International Relations, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies. With expertise in diplomacy, foreign policy, conflict resolution, and international law, she is dedicated to advancing global peace initiatives and policy formulation. Kazey combines analytical thinking, comprehensive research, and effective communication to support peacebuilding efforts. Her work bridges theory and practice to address global challenges, promoting sustainable solutions for conflict resolution and diplomacy. Through scholarly contributions and policy-oriented research, she strives to foster international cooperation and ensure impactful strategies for global stability.
