Bangladesh is undergoing a significant transformation in its national identity, marked by the interim government’s recent decisions to remove the title “Father of the Nation” from Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and to revise the country’s historical narrative.

Key Developments

1. Removal of “Father of the Nation” Title

On June 4, 2025, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus amended the National Freedom Fighters Council Act. This amendment eliminated references to “Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman” and redefined the Liberation War without mentioning his leadership.

2. Changes to Currency and National Symbols

In early June 2025, Bangladesh’s central bank released new currency notes in denominations of Taka 1,000, Taka 50, and Taka 20, which notably omitted Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s image. This departure from tradition has sparked discussions about the motivations behind altering national symbols.

3. Redefinition of Freedom Fighters

The amended ordinance introduced new classifications: ‘Muktijuddher Shohojogi’ (Liberation War associate), ‘Muktijoddha Poribar’ (freedom fighter’s family), and ‘Muktijuddher Shohojogi Poribar’ (associate’s family). The definition of ‘Bir Muktijoddha’ (valiant freedom fighter) was narrowed to individuals who trained or fought between March 26 and December 16, 1971. While Sheikh Mujibur Rahman retains recognition as a Muktijoddha, his title “Father of the Nation” has been removed from official documents.

4. Government Clarifications

In response to public concern, the interim government clarified that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s status as a freedom fighter has not been revoked. Officials stated that reports suggesting otherwise are baseless and that all members of the Mujibnagar government are recognized as heroic freedom fighters.

These changes follow the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, after which protesters dismantled statues of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the government initiated a series of revisions to national symbols and historical narratives. Textbooks have been updated to present multiple perspectives on the Liberation War, including increased emphasis on figures like Ziaur Rahman.

The interim government’s actions have sparked debates about historical revisionism and the preservation of national identity. Critics argue that these moves diminish the contributions of key figures in Bangladesh’s independence, while supporters claim they aim to present a more inclusive historical account.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman – A Full Biography

Early Life and Education

• Full Name: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

• Born: March 17, 1920

• Place of Birth: Tungipara village, Gopalganj District, Bengal Presidency, British India (now in Bangladesh)

• Father: Sheikh Lutfur Rahman (a serestadar – court clerk)

• Mother: Sayera Khatun

Mujib showed leadership qualities from a young age. He studied at Gopalganj Public School and later at Islamia College (now Maulana Azad College) in Kolkata, graduating in 1947. He pursued law at the University of Dhaka, where he began active involvement in politics.

Political Career: The Rise of the Leader

1. Student Politics and Muslim League

• Joined the All India Muslim Students Federation in 1940.

• Became an activist of the Muslim League, supporting the creation of Pakistan.

• But he soon became critical of how East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) was being neglected.

2. Formation of Awami League

• In 1949, he co-founded the East Pakistan Awami Muslim League (later Awami League).

• The party stood for democracy, autonomy, and Bengali rights.

• Sheikh Mujib quickly rose as its most charismatic and vocal leader.

Language Movement of 1952

• Played a vital role in the Bengali Language Movement that opposed the imposition of Urdu as the sole national language.

• He was arrested during the protests, but his popularity soared among the Bengali masses.

Six-Point Movement (1966)

• Sheikh Mujib presented the Six-Point Demand, which called for greater autonomy for East Pakistan.

• The plan was seen as a blueprint for economic and political liberation.

• He was arrested for sedition but became a symbol of Bengali nationalism.

Agartala Conspiracy Case (1968)

• Accused of conspiring with India for secession.

• Massive protests erupted across East Pakistan, leading to his release in 1969.

• He was titled “Bangabandhu” (Friend of Bengal) by the people.

1970 Elections and 1971 Liberation War

• In the 1970 general elections, Mujib’s Awami League won 160 of 162 seats in East Pakistan, giving it a majority in the national parliament.

• But the West Pakistani military rulers refused to transfer power.

• Talks failed, leading to the genocide of March 25, 1971 (Operation Searchlight).

• Mujib was arrested and taken to West Pakistan.

Independence and Return

• During Mujib’s detention, the Bangladesh Liberation War broke out.

• On December 16, 1971, Bangladesh gained independence with help from India.

• Sheikh Mujib was released in January 1972 and returned to a hero’s welcome in Dhaka.

• He became the 1st Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

Governance and Challenges (1972–1975)

• Drafted the Constitution of Bangladesh with a vision of secularism, socialism, nationalism, and democracy.

• Nationalized industries and launched major reforms.

• However, economic mismanagement, famine (1974), and corruption weakened his regime.

• In 1975, he established BAKSAL – a one-party system, abolishing multiparty democracy.

Assassination (1975)

• On August 15, 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family were assassinated in a military coup.

• His daughters Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana survived as they were abroad.

Legacy

• Revered as “Jatir Janak” (Father of the Nation) in Bangladesh (title recently removed by interim government in 2025).

• His daughter Sheikh Hasina has served multiple terms as Prime Minister.

• Sheikh Mujib is considered a symbol of Bengali nationalism and freedom.

• Numerous streets, institutions, and awards are named after him in Bangladesh.

• 2020 was celebrated as “Mujib Borsho” (Mujib Year) on his 100th birth anniversary.

• His portrait was previously printed on currency notes and government offices before being removed by the current interim regime in 2025

Books and Writings

1. “Unfinished Memoirs” – his autobiography written while in jail.

2. “The Prison Diaries”

3. “New China 1952” – travel notes from his visit to China.