Bangladesh's oldest political party, led by Sheikh Hasina. Ruled for 16 years before being ousted by a massive uprising in 2024. The following year the interim government banned the party from political activity through an amendment to an anti-terror law, citing "national security" concerns. In theory the ruling is temporary, pending court cases that might take years. Human Rights Watch has accused the interim government of "arbitrarily" targeting Awami supporters in a way that "mirrors the previous government's abusive clampdown on political opponents". The party claims 24 members or supporters have been killed in custody since the revolution. Despite the ban, the Awami League remains the first choice of 14% of decided voters, almost certainly an undercount. A senior official, Mohammad Arafat, insists half the country still sympathises with the party.
Acquaintance, n: A person whom we know well enough to borrow from but not well enough to lend to. A degree of friendship called slight when the object is poor or obscure, and intimate when he is rich or famous.