On the other hand, many Bengalis became increasingly disappointed as they observed  discrimination in jobs, business, and trade. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and others who had  participated in the Pakistan Movement became seriously dissatisfied. It was widely believed that  discrimination was developing within Pakistan’s governance system, and Bengalis were being  treated unfairly. This deeply hurt many leaders of East Pakistan.  In this situation, to establish equal rights and dignity for Bengalis, Sheikh Mujib and senior  leaders held repeated meetings. On 23 June 1949, at a meeting at the Rose Garden Palace on K. M. Das Lane in Dhaka, the Awami League was formed.  In 1948, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a student at Dhaka University. Under his supervision, the  student organization “Chhatra League” was founded on 4 January under the leadership of Naim  Uddin Ahmed and Khaleque Nawaz. Similarly, on Bangabandhu’s initiative, the Labour League  was formed in 1969 for broader political and labor mobilization.  At that time, Sheikh Mujib and other leaders observed that instead of democracy, constitutional  governance, and representative rule, Pakistan was increasingly being run by military regimes and  elite groups. Alongside injustice and discrimination, a privileged class system was seen to  dominate governance. In East Pakistan as well, certain groups were encouraged to maintain this  system and suppress public dissatisfaction.  In this situation, student organizations and Awami League workers strengthened their position  across the country under Sheikh Mujib’s leadership. Although Suhrawardy, Bhashani, and others  left or distanced themselves from the party at different times, they were still reported to respect  Sheikh Mujib’s leadership and wished him success, considering him a hardworking and dedicated leader capable of securing Bengali rights.  It was observed that although East Pakistan had a larger population, a disproportionate share of  national income was allocated to West Pakistan, despite East Pakistan contributing significantly  through jute, tea, and other exports.  It is painful to recount the imprisonment and hardships Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman  endured. A brief outline is given below:  • In 1938, as a student leader involved in anti-British and political movements, he was arrested  and jailed for 7 days.  
• While studying at Islamia College in Kolkata, he participated in the Pakistan Movement under  Suhrawardy’s leadership.  
• On 11 March 1948, he was arrested while protesting the imposition of Urdu and was released on 15 March.  
• During a famine-related movement, he was arrested on 11 September 1948 and released on 21 January 1949.  
• On 19 April 1949, he was arrested for protesting workers’ rights and remained in jail until 19 July.  
• From 1949 to 1952, he faced repeated imprisonments during political movements.  
• In 1954, after briefly serving as a provincial minister, he was arrested again following the  
dissolution of the cabinet.  
• During Ayub Khan’s martial law, he was imprisoned until 7 December 1960.  
• On 6 February 1962, he was detained under the Security Act until 18 June 1962.  
• In 1964–1965, he was imprisoned for approximately 665 days on sedition charges.  
• On 8 May 1966, he was arrested during the Six-Point Movement and remained in detention until 22 February 1969 in connection with the Agartala Conspiracy Case, before being released following mass protests.  
• After the declaration of independence in 1971, he was arrested by Pakistani forces and taken to West Pakistan. He was released and returned to Bangladesh on 8 January 1972.  During his lifetime, Bangladesh gained international recognition and joined the United Nations. He was not given the opportunity to fully implement his vision for a developed Bangladesh. He lived in his residence at 32 Dhanmondi rather than in the presidential palace.  In the 1970 national elections, the Awami League won a majority of seats in East Pakistan and emerged as the leading party. However, the transfer of power did not take place, leading to widespread political unrest.  On 7 March 1971, at the Racecourse Maidan, before a massive gathering, Bangabandhu delivered his historic speech, calling for resistance and freedom. This speech became a turning point in the independence movement.  At the same time, resistance committees were formed at union, upazila, and district levels under Awami League leadership. Despite negotiations with the Pakistani military under Yahya Khan, talks failed.  On the night of 25 March 1971, the military crackdown began, and the independence struggle escalated into war.  According to wartime arrangements, Syed Nazrul Islam became Acting President, Tajuddin Ahmad became Prime Minister, and Colonel M. A. G. Osmani became Commander-in-Chief of  the liberation forces.  The guiding principle of Bangabandhu’s foreign policy was: “Friendship to all, malice toward  none.” Awami League governments have also focused on economic development, energy cooperation, and regional connectivity.  Supporters argue that since independence, Bangladesh has achieved significant progress in  economic growth, electrification, literacy, and poverty reduction, transforming the country from a low-income economy into a developing nation.  In recent years, political unrest and controversies have emerged, particularly during the 2024 quota movement. Supporters of the Awami League argue that many accusations against the government were politically motivated, while others disagree.  The Awami League was later banned amid political controversy. However, many of its supporters believe that the party continues to have strong public support and will return soon.  
Joy Bangla. Joy Bangabandhu.