Bangladesh history: How Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, chosen with overwhelming popular mandate, lost trust

What happened: In 1973 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman held nationwide elections after a Paltan Bazar speech on smuggling drew a sceptical audience. The Awami League won 282 of 289 directly contested seats, but his political fortunes declined afterward. Key numbers: 1973 elections; 282 of 289 directly contested seats won; Why it matters: The content states that leading Awami politicians were known to be smugglers and Mujib was losing credibility, and that social and economic conditions deteriorated after the elections. Tajuddin Ahmed left the government, unable to influence Mujib to change his ways.

In 1973 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman held nationwide elections after a Paltan Bazar speech on smuggling drew a sceptical audience. The Awami League won 282 of 289 directly contested seats, but his political fortunes declined afterward.

The content states that leading Awami politicians were known to be smugglers and Mujib was losing credibility, and that social and economic conditions deteriorated after the elections. Tajuddin Ahmed left the government, unable to influence Mujib to change his ways.