On October 1, 2023, at 6 pm Dhaka time, the South Asian Policy Initiative (SAPI) marked a significant moment with the launch of its first major research report titled “Bangladesh Awami League: A Case Study of Its Militant Politics and Crimes Against Humanity.” SAPI, a global think tank dedicated to human rights and democracy policies in the South Asian region, hosted this event.

Distinguished figures, including SAPI directors, researchers, and members from various countries participated in this online event. The event was also live-streamed on Amar Desh UK’s YouTube channel and Facebook page for thousands of viewers and well-wishers.

The discussionstarted with an introduction to the report by Shibly Sohail, SAPI’s Executive Director, who also worked on this project as the Chief Researcher. He provided an overview of this report’s objectives, research methodology, and key findings.

Professor Abid Bahar, a distinguished Canadian-Bangladeshi academic known for his extensive research on the Bangladesh Awami League and its founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, delivered a speech underscoring the report’s strengths and its significance in shedding light on critical aspects. Professor Bahar also proposed further avenues for research within the broader context of Bangladeshi history that SAPI should explore in the future.

Dr. Mahmudur Rahman, Chairman of SAPI and Editor of Amar Desh UK, discussed the vital role that intellectual inquiry and historical reevaluation can play in restoring democracy and human rights in Bangladesh.He shared his personaljourney of delving into historical research during his years of imprisonment in Bangladesh and,in his capacity as the institute’s Chairman, expressed gratitude to all participants and researchers for their invaluable support in this important research endeavour.

The launch ceremony was joined by renowned academics, human rights activists, and journalists, including Professor Abdullah Ahsan, Muhammad Ashrafuzzaman, Dr. Fazlul Hoque Tuhin, Dr. Imtiaz Khan, Dr.Mahtabuddin Ahmed, Barrister Afzal Zami, Shamsul Alam Liton, Dr. Faroque Amin, among others.