Bangladesh Awami Olama League
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| Formation | 1996 |
|---|---|
| Dissolved | 10 May, 2025 |
| Headquarters | Bangladesh |
Bangladesh Awami Olama League is a religious organization of Bangladesh that claims affiliation with Bangladesh Awami League.[1][2] Although the Bangladesh Awami League denies[3] any relationship, critics argue it uses platforms such as the Olama League for its own political benefits.[4][5]
The Awami Olama League was officially founded in 1996 on the directives of the Awami League president and later prime minister, Sheikh Hasina.[2] Awami League officially denies involvement with it, although members maintain close ties with Awami League decision makers.[2][4] Analysts argue that this gives the Awami League an "Islamic label" and serves as a "pocket organization" rather than a source of opposition.[5]
The organization is currently divided into several factions, one led by Ismail Hossain Bin Helali, another led by Abdul Hasan Sheikh Shariatpuri, who are also rival Sufi groups.[2] They accuse each other of being "agents" of Jamaat-e-Islami and being "illiterate".[2] The two factions have often clashed violently and repeatedly.[6]