Bangladesh seems to be diminishing the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who is often referred to as the Father of the Nation. Recently, the interim government announced the cancellation of eight important national observances that celebrate significant events related to Rahman’s life. These observances include his birth and death anniversaries, along with the anniversary of his historic speech. This decision, approved by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, was made public via the verified Facebook page on October 16.
Which National Observances Are Being Canceled?
The Advisory Council’s official statement revealed that the Cabinet Division will soon release a circular to formalize the cancellations. The affected observances are as follows:
- March 7: Commemorating Bangabandhu’s iconic speech
- March 17: Bangabandhu’s birth anniversary and National Children’s Day
- August 5: The birth anniversary of Captain Sheikh Kamal
- August 8: The birth anniversary of Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib
- August 15: The death anniversary of Bangabandhu and National Mourning Day
- October 18: Sheikh Russell Day
- November 4: National Constitution Day
- December 12: Smart Bangladesh Day
Who Was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman?
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s fight for independence from Pakistan, a conflict characterized by a brutal genocide that persisted until 1971. With the support of India, pro-independence groups effectively fought against Pakistani rule, ultimately leading to Bangladesh’s independence.
Rahman later became the country’s First Prime Minister and established a one-party system, assuming the presidency in January 1975. Unfortunately, he was assassinated just a few months later, on August 15, alongside his wife and three sons.
Previous Turmoil: A Disconnect from National Roots
In the past few months, Bangladesh has witnessed considerable turmoil. Thousands of protesters defied curfews to storm the Prime Minister’s palace in Dhaka amid the rumors that Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country. The streets erupted with jubilant crowds. Amid the chaos, the crowd damaged the statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, highlighting a concerning disconnection from the country’s roots.
Is Bangladesh Rewriting Its Historical Narrative by Diminishing Legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman?
This is not the first time that Bangladesh has appeared to diminish Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s legacy. Just last month, members of the National Press Club in Dhaka were seen commemorating the 76th Death Anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan, which raises questions about the current narrative surrounding Bangladesh’s history.
Md Samsuddin Claims Pakistan Protect Bangladesh from Kashmir’s Fate
Once known as East Pakistan, Bangladesh gained independence from Islamabad in 1971, largely due to India’s support, Recently, some speakers have suggested that being part of Pakistan in 1947 may have protected Bangladesh from a situation similar to Kashmir’s.
Md Samsuddin, a convenor at Nagorik Parishad, remarked “If Bangladesh had not been part of Pakistan in 1947, we would have been in the same position as Kashmir today, with the Indian junta holding weapons to our necks. Bangladesh gained independence because of Pakistan, which Jinnah helped create.”
Economic Neglect and Identity Issues Fueling Independence
Samsuddin and others have advocated for stronger relations with both China and Pakistan, claiming that Jinnah resolved the political conflicts in the region. Despite being part of Pakistan, East Pakistan suffered severe economic neglect, with many residents suffering while the ruling class in Islamabad ignored their plight. The authorities in Islamabad often dismissed Bengali Muslims as “too ‘Bengali” and viewed their interpretation of Islam as ‘inferior’, which fueled the growing demand for independence.
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Mallika Sadhu is a journalist committed to revealing the raw, unfiltered truth. Mallika's work is grounded in a dedication to transparency and integrity, aiming to present clear and impactful stories that matter. Through comprehensive reporting and honest storytelling, she strives to contribute to provide narratives that genuinely inform and engage. When not dwelling in the world of journalism, she is immersed in the colors of her canvas and pages of her journal.
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