Editing Bangladesh Awami League

The '''Bangladesh Awami League (AL)''' is one of the two major political parties in Bangladesh. It is a center-left party that has played a central role in the country’s independence and political history. Founded in '''1949''' as the '''Awami Muslim League''', it later became the '''Awami League''', reflecting a broader secular and nationalist identity.
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== History ==

=== Origins and Early Years (1949–1971) ===

* The party was founded on '''23 June 1949''' in Dhaka, then part of East Pakistan.
* Originally named the '''Awami Muslim League''', it represented the interests of East Pakistanis in opposition to the West Pakistan-dominated central government.
* The party’s leadership included '''[[Sheikh Mujibur Rahman]]''', who later became the founding father of Bangladesh.
* It led movements for '''autonomy and rights for East Pakistan''', culminating in the '''1971 Bangladesh Liberation War'''.

=== Role in Bangladesh Liberation (1971) ===

* The Awami League, under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won the '''1970 general election''', securing a majority in Pakistan’s National Assembly.
* The refusal of West Pakistani authorities to transfer power triggered the '''[[Bangladesh Liberation War]]'''.
* Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became the first '''Prime Minister of independent Bangladesh''' in 1972.

=== Post-Independence Era ===

* The party initially pursued '''socialist economic policies''', state-led development, and institution-building.
* Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s government faced political unrest and was overthrown in a coup in '''1975''', leading to a period of military and quasi-military rule in Bangladesh.

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== Ideology ==
The Awami League’s key ideological principles include:

* '''Bengali nationalism''' and cultural identity
* '''Secularism''' and religious tolerance
* '''Social democracy''' and welfare-oriented economic policies
* '''Parliamentary democracy''' and human rights

Over the decades, the party has maintained a center-left orientation, supporting both economic growth and social justice programs.
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== Leadership ==

* '''Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (1920–1975):''' Founding leader, first Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
* '''[[Sheikh Hasina]]:''' Current party president and Prime Minister of Bangladesh since 2009. She is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Other notable leaders include:

* '''Tanjim Ahmad Sohel Taj''' – former Member of Parliament
* '''Abul Hasnat Muhammad Qamaruzzaman''' – historic party leader
* Regional and district-level chairpersons who manage party operations across Bangladesh.

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== Political Role ==
The Awami League has governed Bangladesh multiple times:

* '''1972–1975:''' First government of independent Bangladesh; focused on rebuilding the war-torn country.
* '''1996–2001:''' Returned to power after democratic elections; focused on infrastructure, education, and health reforms.
* '''2009–Present:''' Current government, led by Sheikh Hasina, emphasizing economic growth, digitalization, poverty reduction, and global investment.

The party has overseen major infrastructure projects, social welfare programs, and international diplomacy initiatives.
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== Organizational Structure ==

* '''National Executive Committee'''
* '''Central Working Committee'''
* '''District and Upazila Committees'''
* '''Front Organizations:'''
** Bangladesh Chhatra League (student wing)
** Jubo League (youth wing)
** Mohila Awami League (women’s wing)

The Awami League maintains a strong grassroots network throughout Bangladesh, including urban and rural constituencies.
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== Electoral Influence ==

* The Awami League is a major force in national elections, consistently winning seats in the '''Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament)'''.
* It has formed coalition governments and continues to dominate Bangladesh’s political landscape alongside the '''Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)'''.
* Its voter base includes urban professionals, rural farmers, students, and industrial workers.

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== Recent Developments ==

* The party has been in government since '''2009''', with Sheikh Hasina serving as Prime Minister.
* It has focused on infrastructure, digital governance, energy expansion, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
* Nationally, the Awami League has faced opposition from BNP and smaller parties, but it has maintained a parliamentary majority in recent elections.

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== See Also ==

* '''[[Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)]]'''
* '''[[Bangladesh National Parliament|Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament)]]'''
* '''[[Sheikh Mujibur Rahman]]'''
* '''[[Sheikh Hasina]]'''
* '''[[Bangladesh Liberation War]]'''