As Bangladesh navigates this period of political transition, it must resist the temptation to rewrite history for short-term gains. Instead, it should draw inspiration from nations like India, where the legacies of national icons like Mahatma Gandhi are preserved and celebrated despite ideological differences. By protecting Mujibur’s legacy, Bangladesh can ensure that it remains true to the principles that inspired its independence and continue to build a nation that is inclusive, secular, and united.
The first President and the first elected Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, fondly known as “Bangabandhu” or the “Friend of Bengal,” is universally recognised as the Father of the Nation in Bangladesh. His leadership during the liberation struggle of 1971 against Pakistan paved the way for the birth of an independent Bangladesh. Mujibur’s contributions to creating a sovereign nation have been celebrated for decades, cementing his place in history as a symbol of Bengali nationalism and secularism. However, in the aftermath of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster on August 5, 2024, a systematic effort to dismantle Mujibur Rahman’s legacy has gained momentum. This deliberate attempt to label him a “fascist” and erase his contributions threatens not only the historical consciousness of Bangladesh but also its socio-political stability.
Beyond Political Identity: Mujib As A National Icon
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s legacy is far more significant than his political affiliation with the Awami League. While it is true that the Awami League, under the leadership of his daughter Sheikh Hasina, has faced growing public disapproval in recent years, Mujibur’s contributions to the nation’s independence and his vision for a secular, Bengali identity transcend partisan politics. Mujibur embodied the hopes and dreams of millions of Bengalis who yearned for freedom from oppression. By reducing him to a mere political figure, the current administration and its allies are distorting the essence of his legacy.
Mujibur Rahman’s leadership was marked by his commitment to Bengali nationalism and secularism—principles that sought to unite a deeply fragmented population. His historic March 7, 1971 speech in Ramna Maidan, where he called for mass civil disobedience, remains a defining moment in Bangladesh’s history. Yet, recent moves by the caretaker government led by Muhammad Yunus, such as cancelling the March 7 national holiday and removing Mujibur’s portrait from Banga Bhavan, reflect a calculated attempt to rewrite history. These actions are not just an affront to Mujibur’s memory but also a dangerous precedent that undermines national unity.
Mujibur Rahman’s leadership was marked by his commitment to Bengali nationalism and secularism—principles that sought to unite a deeply fragmented population.
The Rise Of Islamist Narratives
The efforts to tarnish Mujibur’s image have been spearheaded by Islamist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and Hizb-ut-Tahrir, with tacit support from mainstream political actors like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). These groups have accused Mujibur and the Awami League of “fascism,” using this narrative to justify their campaign against his legacy. The caretaker government’s decision to lift the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami, despite its history of war crimes and extremist activities, has emboldened these groups to push for a more pronounced Islamic identity for Bangladesh.
Under Hasina’s rule, Mujibur’s legacy was closely tied to the secular image of Bangladesh. His government’s policies emphasised Bengali culture over religious identity, a stance that directly opposed the Islamist vision of an Islamic state governed by Sharia law. The current administration’s willingness to accommodate Islamist narratives, such as the removal of Mujibur’s image from currency notes and the cancellation of national holidays commemorating his contributions, signals a troubling shift towards religious majoritarianism.
The rise of Islamist influence in Bangladesh poses serious risks, not just for the country’s secular fabric but also for its religious minorities. Attacks on Hindus and other minority groups have increased in recent months, reflecting the growing intolerance that often accompanies the politicisation of religion. By erasing Mujibur’s legacy, the caretaker government risks alienating significant sections of society and fostering divisions that could destabilise the nation.
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Lessons From India: Preserving The Legacy Of Gandhi
Bangladesh’s approach to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s legacy stands in stark contrast to India’s treatment of Mahatma Gandhi, another iconic figure whose vision shaped the identity of a nation. Gandhi, like Mujibur, was a unifying figure who transcended political affiliations. Despite the ideological differences between various political parties in India, none have attempted to erase Gandhi’s legacy. Even those who criticise Gandhi’s policies and philosophy recognise his central role in India’s struggle for independence and his enduring significance as a symbol of non-violence and unity.
India’s commitment to preserving Gandhi’s legacy offers a valuable lesson for Bangladesh. Political transitions and changes in leadership should not come at the cost of erasing the contributions of national icons. Such erasures not only distort history but also rob future generations of the opportunity to understand and learn from their nation’s past.
India’s commitment to preserving Gandhi’s legacy offers a valuable lesson for Bangladesh. Political transitions and changes in leadership should not come at the cost of erasing the contributions of national icons.
Mujib’s Contested Legacy
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s post-independence leadership in Bangladesh remains divisive due to his government’s failure to curb political and economic instability, rampant corruption, and the deadly famine of 1974, which saw high mortality rates. His establishment of the Jatiya Rakkhi Bahini, a paramilitary force implicated in human rights abuses, and his 1975 “Second Revolution,” which abolished civil liberties and democratic institutions to create a one-party regime, further tainted his legacy. Despite these controversies, Mujib is widely credited for leading Bangladesh to independence in 1971, restoring Bengali sovereignty after two centuries, and earning the title “Bangabandhu”.
The Dangers Of Historical Revisionism
The deliberate erasure of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s legacy is a form of historical revisionism that threatens the very foundation of Bangladesh’s identity. Mujibur’s vision of a secular, inclusive nation was instrumental in shaping the early years of Bangladesh’s independence. By undermining his contributions, the current administration risks creating a vacuum that could be filled by divisive ideologies.
Historical revisionism often serves as a tool for political expediency, allowing those in power to reshape narratives to suit their agendas. However, such attempts rarely succeed in the long term. The backlash against the removal of Mujibur’s portrait and the cancellation of March 7 as a national holiday indicates that significant sections of Bangladeshi society remain deeply attached to his legacy. These actions have also drawn criticism from international observers, who view them as an attempt to rewrite history for political gain.
For India, the developments in Bangladesh are a cause for concern. The rise of Islamist influence and the dilution of Bangladesh’s secular image could destabilise the region and strain bilateral relations. India has traditionally supported Bangladesh’s secular identity, viewing it as a stabilising factor in South Asia which distinguishes it from its western neighbour Pakistan. The current trends, including reports of attacks on Hindus and other minorities, pose a challenge to India’s engagement with the new administration in Dhaka.
Bangladesh must recognise that its identity is inextricably linked to Mujibur’s vision of a secular, inclusive nation. Preserving his legacy is not just about honouring the past; it is about safeguarding the future.
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Protecting The Legacy Of Mujibur Rahman
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s legacy is not merely a chapter in Bangladesh’s history; it is the foundation upon which the nation was built. Erasing his contributions to appease political or ideological interests undermines the very ideals of freedom and unity that he championed. Bangladesh must recognise that its identity is inextricably linked to Mujibur’s vision of a secular, inclusive nation. Preserving his legacy is not just about honouring the past; it is about safeguarding the future.
As Bangladesh navigates this period of political transition, it must resist the temptation to rewrite history for short-term gains. Instead, it should draw inspiration from nations like India, where the legacies of national icons like Mahatma Gandhi are preserved and celebrated despite ideological differences. By protecting Mujibur’s legacy, Bangladesh can ensure that it remains true to the principles that inspired its independence and continue to build a nation that is inclusive, secular, and united.
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