“If Awami League Exists, Bangladesh Will Exist”

Ali Shariati Ubach

Today, June 23, marks the glorious founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Awami League. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and greetings to everyone on the anniversary of the oldest and largest political party in Bangladesh. With deep gratitude, I remember the national leaders who provided leadership and patronage from its inception to the present day, as well as the countless freedom-loving activists and supporters who have left this earthly abode. On this special day, I pay solemn tribute to Awami League’s visionary Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, founding president Maulana Hamid Khan Bhashani, founding general secretary Shamsul Haq, and the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Bangladesh achieved independence under the leadership of the Awami League. From the Great Liberation War and the Language Movement to the anti-autocracy movement in independent Bangladesh and the fight against terrorism and communalism, countless Awami League leaders and activists have laid down their lives without hesitation. I humbly pay tribute to all the martyrs and offer my final salute to Bangabandhu’s close associates.

Historical Context:
Seventy-six years ago, on June 23, 1949, the Awami League was born with the clear goal of liberating the Bengali people. Initially named the All-Pakistan Awami Muslim League, it was later renamed “Awami League” to better reflect its secular political ideology. From its inception, the Awami League has led as the largest political institution dedicated to secularism, humanism, and establishing people’s just rights. In 1953, after Bangabandhu was elected general secretary (previously serving as acting general secretary), the Awami League gained unstoppable momentum. From then on, the Awami League also expanded as a secular organization. Overcoming the so-called two-nation theory, the Bengali nationalist movement flourished under the Awami League’s leadership. Additionally, with the goal of establishing democracy and an exploitation-free society, the implementation of indigenous socialism became one of the Awami League’s core principles, which began to materialize after independence.

Soon after the creation of Pakistan, the country desired by the majority of East Bengal, a group of young nationalist politicians—some of whom were involved in the Pakistan Movement—realized that the ruling Muslim League was not interested in securing the rights of this land or establishing people’s politics. These progressive young members of the East Bengal Muslim League were followers of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy and Abul Hashim. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, one of Suhrawardy’s key disciples, emerged as the leader of these progressive youth. On this day in 1949, at Rose Garden in Dhaka, the first committee of the Awami League was formed with veteran leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani (President of the Assam Provincial Muslim League) as president and young leader Shamsul Haq as general secretary. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, then imprisoned, was appointed joint secretary.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the political heir of united Bengal’s leaders—Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, peasant leader Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq, democrat Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, and Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani—as well as the culmination of the unfinished rebellions of Khudiram and Titumir. On the other hand, he was the cultural heir of mystic Baul emperor Lalon Fakir, global poet Rabindranath Tagore, and rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Bangabandhu’s politics was a translation of the aspirations of these legendary politicians, revolutionaries, philosophers, and literary-cultural icons. It can be said that Bangabandhu and the Awami League’s ideology embody the collective dreams and aspirations of the Bengali people.

The Awami League was not born out of any conspiracy or as a king’s party under government patronage. It was founded in opposition to the injustices of the then-ruling party. Thus, whether in power or in opposition, the Awami League remains committed to people’s welfare. This 76-year-old seasoned political party has countless achievements, the greatest of which is the establishment of the independent, sovereign state of Bangladesh. This is why Bangladesh and the Awami League are synonymous. Undoubtedly, this was possible only because Bangabandhu led the Awami League. Hence, it is often said—Bangladesh, Bangabandhu, and the Awami League are one and indivisible, bound by an unbreakable bond. Therefore, as long as Bangladesh exists, no one can erase the Awami League from this land. Rather, it has been proven time and again that only the existence of the Awami League ensures the survival of Bangladesh as a secular nation.

Political Journey:
In its 76-year history, overcoming all obstacles in the struggle for the Bengali nation’s rights and democracy, the Awami League has stood by the people—through struggles, disasters, and development—defying countless conspiracies, assassinations, and blood-stained treacherous paths.

Under the leadership of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the establishment of the independent, sovereign state of Bangladesh and all the greatest achievements of the Bengali nation have been rooted in the leadership of this people’s institution. From its birth to the present, the Awami League’s strength has been the people and its grassroots leaders and activists. Despite post-independence conspiracies by anti-liberation forces, the Bangladesh Awami League rose from ruins, overthrew autocracy, established democracy, and led the grand journey of development.

Every achievement in this land since its inception has been under the Awami League’s leadership. From protecting the dignity of the mother tongue, Bangla, to all of Bangladesh’s development milestones, the Awami League has been at the core. Thus, the people of this land share an unbreakable bond with the Awami League.

Development Journey:
Under the Awami League’s leadership, war-torn Bangladesh was rebuilt. The party’s governance has ensured good governance, a strong economy, increased agricultural production and food self-sufficiency, dynamic development, Digital Bangladesh, expanded education, ensured healthcare, employment, increased electricity production, social safety nets, food security, and women’s empowerment—landmark developments that have established Bangladesh as a self-respecting nation globally. Bangladesh’s transition from a least-developed country to a developing nation has been based on the Awami League’s policies and plans. Thus, the Awami League’s history is the history of the Bengali nation’s glorious achievements and struggles.

Additionally, under the Awami League’s leadership, extremism was eradicated from Bangladesh, poverty was reduced, and new waves of technological and infrastructural development were introduced. However, it is unfortunate that after August 5, 2024, Bangladesh has changed. Present-day Bangladesh is nothing but ruins. Post-August 5, it has been further proven that the only alternative to the Awami League is the Awami League itself. Because no other political or civil force can ensure the overall progress and security of Bangladesh’s people, land, and soil.

Bangladesh is currently undergoing a deep crisis and critical juncture. An unconstitutional government has unjustly banned the Awami League’s political activities—the same was done by General Yahya Khan in 1971. But the Awami League returned by establishing the new state of Bangladesh. The party’s past history of struggle and resistance testifies that this time, too, it will return by defeating and eliminating all evil forces. Because the Awami League is not just a conventional political party—it is a living movement and an emotion. The so-called interim government of Bangladesh is not only conspiring against the Awami League but also against the country’s people, democracy, and the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh. Only the Bangladesh Awami League can tear apart this web of conspiracy and restore the country to its progressive and secular path. Like in the past, this time too, the Awami League’s leaders and activists will free Bengal from malevolent forces. Already, hundreds of leaders and activists have been killed, hundreds of thousands arrested, over a million implicated in false cases, and many veteran politicians imprisoned. Yet, “You cannot suppress the Awami League.” Drawing from Bangabandhu’s courage, patience, and wisdom, the party’s workers will continue this fight for victory and emerge triumphant.

Winston Churchill once said, *”If we win the big battle in the decisive theater, we can put everything straight afterwards.”* In 1971, the Awami League won a major imposed battle. Now, another major battle has been imposed, and I believe victory will be achieved again. With the hands of the Awami League’s fighting activists, the people of Bengal will once again emerge from darkness into light. The sacrifices of countless leaders and activists from the Language Movement to the Liberation War, and the anti-terrorism, anti-communalism, and anti-autocracy struggles, along with Bangabandhu’s fighting leadership, continue to guide this party’s workers. Victory was achieved in 1971 under Bangabandhu’s leadership, and this time, victory will be reclaimed under the leadership of Bangabandhu’s daughter, Sheikh Hasina. Because only if the Awami League wins will Bangladesh win.

The Irreplaceable Awami League:
Post-August 5, it has been proven once again that the only alternative to the Awami League is the Awami League itself. No other political party or force can replace it. Since the Pakistan era—even after the Awami League’s founding—many political parties have emerged in this land aspiring to be alternatives to the Awami League. Unfortunately, none have succeeded. Instead, most have turned into anti-Bangladesh evil forces, while a few have become mere bonsais.

The first major attempt to create an alternative to the Awami League was the formation of the National Awami Party (NAP) under Maulana Bhashani in 1957. NAP no longer exists. The National League was also formed during the Pakistan era. The NDF, PDM, etc., came into being, but these now exist only in history books—their achievements are a void. But the Awami League still stands firm.

In independent Bangladesh, too, attempts have been made to create alternative parties—JSD, BNP, BAKSAL (1983), Jatiya Party, Nagorik Shakti, Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), etc. Currently, the NCP is being discussed. A closer look reveals that these parties have essentially sought to replace the Awami League. But far from becoming alternatives, many have disappeared, while others have turned into anti-Bangladesh forces.

In a sense, the Communist Party (CPB) can also be included in this list. But the CPB has never been able to connect with the masses.

The inevitable reality of Bangladesh’s political parties and politics is best captured by poet Shamsur Rahman’s line: “I still stand—this is my kind of pride.” This applies only to the Bangladesh Awami League. For others, the same poet wrote: “My head sways violently, the ground beneath my feet slips all day long / Fleeing, / I see nothing but graveyards.”

A dissection of party politics in this land clearly shows that except for the Awami League, all others are engaged in divisive politics, with many spreading the poison of communalism. On the other hand, only the Awami League has practiced undivided politics of national unity. Not only did it establish the state of Bangladesh, but it has also worked for the progress of Bangladesh’s land, life, and nature—something absent in others. Over the past 54 years, multiple attempts have been made—even state-sponsored—to create alternatives to the Awami League, but none have succeeded. The people have repeatedly chosen the Awami League. Thus, it is only natural to conclude that the only alternative to the Awami League is the Awami League itself.

Final Words:
In 1971, Pakistan could not survive by banning the Awami League—instead, Bangladesh was born under the Awami League’s leadership. In 1975, the attempt to erase the Awami League from history by assassinating Bangabandhu and his family failed. In November 1975, the attempt to render the nation leaderless by killing the four national leaders failed. On August 21, there was an attempt to assassinate the Awami League president, and during the 1/11 era, efforts to “minus” the party from politics failed. The conspirators will fail again this time. The people’s organization, the Awami League, resides in the hearts of millions in Bengal. The people of this country have realized that without the Awami League, Bangladesh will be lost.

Bangladesh awaits its seasoned 76-year-old political party, the Bangladesh Awami League. Endless good wishes for the Awami League!