On this day in 1949, East Pakistan Awami Muslim League was founded at the historic Rose Garden in Old Dhaka. Later, the word "Muslim" was dropped from the name to give it a more secular quality.

The AL led all democratic movements of East Pakistan starting from the Language Movement of 1952 to the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971 under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

To observe the day, the AL will place wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu at Bangabandhu Bhaban in the capital and hold a special prayer there.

AL chief and former prime minister Sheikh Hasina issued a statement marking the day. In her statement she said even though the AL brought success in different sectors during the AL rule from 1996 to 2001, "the BNP-Jamaat alliance came to power through rigged polls in 2001 and hampered the development of the country".

Hasina, eldest daughter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, said, "Awami League will lead the country in bringing positive changes in future."