The August coup of 1975, assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the events that followed have shown that it is easier to change a government than to establish a legitimate regime and an effective administration. The power struggle that goes on in Bangladesh calls for a new consensus if the country has to achieve its politico-economic freedom.

The book presents an assessment of the politics pursued in Bangladesh during its initial years and argues that the crisis Bangladesh faces today is the result of the socio-economic and political measures taken by the Awami League government and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In the course of his assessment he has examined the political compulsion and contradictions which led the regime to go for a one-party rule. The ruling party’s treatment of the freedom fighters, the so-called collaborators and the army as an institution are seen as examples which had bleeding effect on the body politic of the newly achieved country.

This significantly objective work helps the readers to understand the political dimensions of the newly independent states of South Asia and Africa. The study answers questions why so frequently nationalist leaders committed to liberal democratic governments have rejected the same after independence.

The author declares Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as “the greatest phenomenon” of the history of Bangladesh. A separate chapter is devoted to provide an objective appreciation of the personality of Bangabandhu.

This book is a mine of inexhaustible value to students of politics, history, law, economics and Bangladesh studies.

Moudud Ahmed displays profound insight into the life of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and as a sequel to the author’s earlier book. Bangladesh: Constitutional Quest for Autonomy, this definitive work is a major addition to books on political history of Bangladesh. The author’s work is particularly relevant to the actions and responses shown through its style of governance.

Barrister Ahmed has been Deputy Prime Minister (1976-78), Prime Minister (1986-89), and Vice-President of Bangladesh. He has his B.A. (Honours) and M.A. in Political Science from Dhaka University. He studied law in England and was called to the English Bar in 1966. He is Fellow of Heidelberg University and also Harvard University.

He prepared the book, Bangladesh: Contemporary Events and Documents, published by the External Publicity Division of the Bangladesh Government in Exile in Calcutta in 1971. His earlier book Bangladesh: Constitutional Quest for Autonomy was published by UPL.

Contents:
1. Beginning of a New State
2. Awami League Government: Economic and Social Measures
3. Law and Order Situation
4. The Constitution-Making Process
5. Move for Political Consolidation: The General Elections, 1973
6. Economic Planning and Reorganization
7. The Bangladesh-India Relationship
8. The Prisoners of War
9. Food, Flood and Famine
10. Role of the Political Parties and Three-Party Alliance
11. The Proclamation of Emergency and Switching to One-Party System
12. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman