Social membership and historical conflict: the case of bangladesh’s awami league and the bangladesh nationalist party

The conflict between the Awami League and the BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) is ingrained in the history of Bangladesh spanning more than three decades. This paper delineates the history of the interaction between the two parties as well as explaining the militant activities of both as a part of the cultural environment in Bangladesh. Finally, I explain the distinction between social membership in anyone of these parties and the participation of elements of each party in violent activity.