The Awami League marks “Black Day,” condemning Muhammad Yunus’s interim government for seizing power in violation of Bangladesh’s Constitution. The party calls for unity, vigilance, and annual commemoration of August 8 as a symbol of the struggle to defend democracy, good governance, and the rule of law.
The Bangladesh Awami League on Friday strongly condemned the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government for what it described as an unconstitutional seizure of power, marking the first anniversary of the takeover. Calling the date one of the “darkest chapters” in the nation’s political history, the ruling party reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding democracy and the Constitution.
In a statement issued on the occasion of what the party terms “Black Day,” the Awami League accused the Yunus administration of undermining the nation’s democratic framework and disregarding the rights of the Bangladeshi people. The party argued that the events of August 8 reflected a “collective failure” of democratic institutions and law enforcement agencies, allowing the country’s governance structure to be disrupted.
A ‘Black Mark’ in History
According to the Awami League, the takeover not only marked a moment of political betrayal but also served as a powerful reminder of the need for citizens to remain vigilant against authoritarianism. The party stressed that democracy cannot survive without the people’s active defence of their rights and the Constitution.
“Violating the Constitution means dismantling the fundamental structure of governance and stripping people of their rights,” the statement read. “Through this heinous attempt, fascist Yunus has endangered the nation’s peace and stability, shaking the very foundations of unity and cohesion.”
Waves of Protest in Dhaka
The party recalled that, on the day of the takeover, the Dhaka-8 constituency, especially residents along the capital’s Hatirpool main road, witnessed strong and united protests. Demonstrators from all walks of life took to the streets in marches, condemning what they described as a conspiracy against the people’s will.
The Awami League framed these protests not merely as a reaction to a political crisis, but as a firm statement of the nation’s refusal to accept any move that jeopardised the country’s constitutional order. “This protest was not just against the seizure of power,” the statement added, “but a strong signal of the commitment to protect democracy, the Constitution, and people’s rights.”
Call for National Unity
In its official message, the Awami League urged citizens to observe “Black Day” annually, both to remember the injustices of August 8 and to strengthen the resolve to protect democratic values. The party warned that no nation could hope to achieve lasting progress without upholding constitutional principles.
It appealed to people from all walks of life — politicians, civil society members, business leaders, and ordinary citizens — to unite against authoritarian moves and remain vigilant against any attempt to derail the country’s democratic path. “August 8 will be remembered both as a day of treacherous violation of the Constitution and as an undying symbol of the struggle to defend democracy,” the statement said.
Defending Democracy as a National Pledge
The Awami League’s statement concluded with a rallying cry: “Defending democracy, defending the Constitution, defending Bangladesh — this is our pledge.”
Party leaders further emphasised that the spirit of August 8 should serve as a political and moral guidepost for the future. They argued that the day’s lessons must be carried forward to ensure good governance, sustainable development, and the preservation of the rule of law.
Political analysts note that the party’s commemoration of “Black Day” is part of a broader effort to frame the Yunus-led interim government’s rule as illegitimate, further polarising the country’s political landscape ahead of upcoming national debates on governance and electoral reforms.
While the Yunus administration has defended its actions in the past as necessary for stabilising the nation, the Awami League’s narrative casts the takeover as a deliberate act of constitutional sabotage. Observers believe that the party will continue to highlight this anniversary in future political campaigns, reinforcing its image as the guardian of Bangladesh’s democratic values.
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As Bangladesh reflects on one year since the controversial political transition, the Awami League’s message is clear: August 8 must never be forgotten, and the defence of democracy remains a shared national responsibility.
