Democratic League (Bangladesh)

Democratic League (Bengali: ডেমোক্রেটিক লীগ) was a political party in Bangladesh founded by the former President Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad in 1978 after his release from prison.^[1][2]

The party was an attempt by Mostaq to return to national politics following his controversial role in the 15 August 1975 coup that resulted in the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding president of Bangladesh. The party never gained significant public support as Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad was considered a defector in the 15 August coup.

Mostaq Ahmed was imprisoned, following his removal from the office in the 3 November coup led by Brig. Gen. Khaled Mosharraf. Upon his release in 1978, he launched the Democratic League in an effort to establish a conservative political platform that could serve as an alternative to the dominant Awami League.

The Democratic League espoused right-leaning values and aimed to capitalize on the political fragmentation of the late 1970s. However, Mostaq's deep unpopularity due to his involvement in the August 1975 coup, and his controversial decision to grant indemnity to the assassins of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, significantly damaged his credibility.^[3] As a result, the party failed to gain significant public support or electoral relevance. It never secured any seats in the parliament and did not participate meaningfully in national elections. By the mid-1980s, the party had faded from the political landscape and became defunct.

The Democratic League is often cited as an example of how public perception and political legitimacy can greatly influence the success of new parties.^[4]

• Awami League
• Bangladesh Freedom Party
• 15 August 1975 Bangladesh coup d'état