The fall of the Awami League government, which had held power for 16 years under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape. The quota reform movement, which initially galvanized the youth and drew widespread support, ultimately became a focal point for criticism and conspiracy theories. Allegations have surfaced that groups like Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefazat-e-Islam, and international actors such as the United States manipulated the movement to destabilize the government. While many debate these claims, the deeper question remains: did the Awami League fall due to external forces, or was it undone by its own political missteps?
As a 75-year-old political institution, the Awami League has been inseparable from Bangladesh’s history—particularly its role in the country’s independence and development. Unlike many aging political parties that slowly fade, the Awami League has remained vibrant, representing a proud legacy. Yet, despite its achievements, the party found itself increasingly disconnected from the people. Why did a government, responsible for significant economic progress and infrastructure development, lose public trust?
Moving Away from Core Ideals
One of the Awami League’s greatest challenges over the last decade and a half has been its gradual departure from the very ideals that once defined it: the spirit of the Liberation War. In the pursuit of power, the party seemed less invested in the ideological politics of 1971 and more focused on maintaining control at any cost. Its failure to restore the 1972 constitution, which enshrined democracy, socialism, secularism, and nationalism, was one of its most glaring shortcomings. The constitution was not just a document, but a reflection of the aspirations of millions who fought for a just and equitable Bangladesh. The party’s apparent indifference to reclaiming this foundational vision alienated many of its supporters.
The Erosion of Internal Integrity
Internally, the Awami League’s leadership structure became increasingly dominated by opportunists, sidelining the dedicated veterans who had been loyal to the party for decades. This shift created a disconnect between the party’s core values and its actions. The rise of a ‘hybrid leadership,’ focused on personal gain rather than the party’s mission, contributed to the perception that the Awami League was losing touch with the grassroots.
Perhaps most damaging was the rise of syndicates within the party, leading to a concentration of power among a few, which made the government seem inaccessible and indifferent to the concerns of ordinary citizens. Sheikh Hasina herself, despite surviving numerous assassination attempts and political plots, became more isolated. Did her closest advisors build a wall between her and the realities faced by the people? The Awami League must reflect on who within its ranks allowed this isolation to deepen.
Minority Rights and Ideological Compromise
The Awami League, which has long portrayed itself as a protector of minorities, struggled to live up to that image during its time in power. Despite the filing of over 50 cases related to violence against minorities, none saw a conclusion. This failure to deliver justice raised serious doubts about the party’s commitment to minority protection. The violence and persecution of secular bloggers and writers, which occurred under the party’s watch, further complicated the government’s reputation as a defender of freedom and human rights. While these attacks often came from radical Islamist groups, the government’s tepid response fueled public anger.
In an attempt to appease conservative religious factions, the Awami League’s alliance with Hefazat-e-Islam, a group opposed to many of the values embedded in Bangladesh’s constitution, was perhaps the most significant moral compromise of the party’s tenure. Conceding to demands to remove statues, revise textbooks, and elevate madrasa education to the level of mainstream universities undermined the secular foundation of the state. This move not only alienated the party’s core supporters but also emboldened the forces of fundamentalism.
The Cultural and Ideological Vacuum
One of the starkest critiques of the Awami League’s 16 years in power was its failure to cultivate a vibrant national culture that could counteract the rise of fundamentalism. Despite its modernizing agenda, the party did not invest in the cultural growth of Bangladesh, leaving a vacuum that fundamentalist groups were quick to exploit. While the Awami League may have drifted from its ideals, groups like Jamaat and Hefazat never wavered from their backward ideologies, using the party’s negligence to their advantage. The results of this failure became evident within months of the government’s fall.
The Fall of the Chhatra League
The Awami League’s inability to control its student wing, the Chhatra League, also played a significant role in tarnishing its public image. The violent actions of Chhatra League members were often at the center of the party’s most damaging controversies. Incidents such as the murders of Biswajit and Abrar became symbols of the party’s descent into lawlessness and impunity. While the Awami League made significant strides in economic development and infrastructure, these achievements were overshadowed by the actions of a few violent actors within the Chhatra League. Moreover, the factionalism and corruption within the student wing weakened its organizational strength and opened the door for opposition infiltration.
Digital Security and Corruption
The misuse of the Digital Security Act under the Awami League’s rule was a constant source of criticism. Journalists, writers, and ordinary citizens were targeted through this law, often for trivial reasons or personal vendettas. This not only raised questions about the state of free speech but also highlighted the government’s growing authoritarian tendencies.
Corruption was another black mark on the Awami League’s tenure. While it avoided the label of “world’s most corrupt” that plagued the BNP-Jamaat era, the party failed to rein in corruption effectively. High-profile scandals and the visible enrichment of party insiders tarnished the government’s image, reinforcing the perception that the Awami League was no different from its predecessors in fostering a corrupt political culture.
What the Awami League Must Learn
As the party reflects on its fall from power, it must confront these harsh realities. Despite its missteps, many Bangladeshis still hold deep respect for the Liberation War and the legacy of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The majority of people still want a government that upholds the spirit of the Liberation War, and for many, that means looking to the Awami League. However, the party must now prove that it can return to its roots, represent those values authentically, and outline a clear vision for the future.
The Awami League’s road to recovery lies in self-reflection, ideological recommitment, and rebuilding trust with the people. Only a transparent, reformed, and revitalized Awami League can regain the confidence of the nation and return to power. The party must present a vision that resonates with the people’s hopes and aspirations, and it must prove that it still stands for the ideals of 1952, 1969, and 1971. Without this, the party risks becoming just another relic of Bangladesh’s political history.
Sahadat Russell, Associate Editor, The Voice.