The Role of Awami League During The Ayub Khan Era (1958-1969): An Historical Analysis

Abstract

During the Ayub Khan period in Pakistan, from 1958 to 1969, Awami League (AL) played an important and multifaceted role in the country's political scenery. The Bengali Nationalist broke away from the dominant Muslim League and formed a new party. Founded on 1949 by Bengali Nationalists Abdul Hamid Khan Bashani, Yar Mohammad Khan, Shamsul Haq and Shawkat Ali, later joined by Hussain Shaheed Surwardi who went on to become a prime minister of Pakistan, initially a secular and leftist party, it focused on the rights of the Bengali-speaking population in East Pakistan. After October 7, 1958 political parties had no or very little role to play till 1962, because political parties were ban. After that when the ban was lifted, they had to serve under severe restrictions. Ayub Khan blamed that political parties and their leadership were responsible for the political instability in the country. The Awami League's ideology was rooted in Bengali nationalism, democracy, and socialism, whereas Ayub Khan's regime was characterized by authoritarianism, centralization, and a pro-Western foreign policy. The Awami League's emphasis on regional autonomy and democratic rights clashed with Ayub's vision of a centralized, unitary state. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's leadership played a crucial role in shaping the Awami League's opposition to Ayub Khan. Rahman's charismatic leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to mobilize mass support enabled the Awami League to maintain its relevance and influence despite Ayub's repression. The Awami League opposed Ayub Khan's economic policies, which they saw as favoring the wealthy elite and neglecting the needs of the common people. The Awami League also opposed Ayub Khan's foreign policy, particularly his alignment with the United States and his handling of relations with India.