Sheikh Hasina’s Message on Awami League’s 76th Founding Anniversary: Unwavering Commitment to Democracy and Independence

Staff Reporter

Dhaka, June 23, 2025: On the occasion of the 76th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Awami League, party president and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina extended her greetings and revolutionary salutations to the nation. Simultaneously, she called upon party leaders, activists, and the people to move forward courageously amid the current crisis.

Recalling the history of the Awami League, founded on June 23, 1949, at Rose Garden in Dhaka under the leadership of Maulana Bhashani, Sheikh Hasina stated that the party carries forward the legacy of secular and welfare-oriented politics of leaders like Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, and Maulana Bhashani. She noted that under Bangabandhu’s leadership in 1953, the Awami League became an unstoppable force in the nationalist movement, ultimately leading to the emergence of independent Bangladesh.

Addressing the current political crisis, Sheikh Hasina said, “An unconstitutional government has banned our activities, arrested hundreds of thousands of leaders and activists, and harassed millions with false cases. This is a deep conspiracy against democracy and Bangladesh’s independence.” She drew parallels between the current situation and Yahya Khan’s repressive policies in 1971.

However, expressing optimism, she declared, “Just as in the past, the Bangladesh Awami League will once again free the country from malevolent forces. Bangabandhu’s courage and wisdom are our weapons.” She urged party members not to lose heart.

Highlighting the achievements under her leadership, Sheikh Hasina mentioned countering extremism, reducing poverty, and advancing technology and infrastructure to propel Bangladesh forward. She emphatically stated, “Bangladesh and the Awami League are synonymous. No one can erase the Awami League from this soil.”

Concluding her message with the slogan “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu,” she prayed for the country’s eternal prosperity. Political analysts view this statement as a reflection of the Awami League’s steadfast stance in the current crisis and its commitment to restoring democracy.