B'desh eroding memory of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman? His birth, death anniversaries removed as national observances
An undated government handout picture of Bangladesh's Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's founding father, who was killed along with most of his family members in a military coup on 15 August 1975 Photograph:( AFP )
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The decision was announced on Wednesday (Oct 16) after the approval of the Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus
The decision was announced on Wednesday (Oct 16) after the approval of the Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus
Bangladesh appears to be eroding the memory of its independence hero, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, regarded as the Father of the Nation. The interim government has cancelled eight national observances, which include Mujibur Rahman's birth and death anniversaries as well as the day he gave his iconic speech.
The decision was announced on Wednesday (Oct 16) after the approval of the Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus.
“The Advisory Council recently took the decision to cancel the eight days in a meeting. The Cabinet Division will issue a circular cancelling these days soon,” read the statement.
The cancelled observances include:
- March 7, commemorating Bangabandhu's historic 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
Notably, Rahman became Bangladesh's first prime minister before introducing a one-party system and assuming the presidency in January 1975. Within a year Rahman was assassinated by a group of soldiers on August 15, along with his wife and three sons.
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Bangladesh forgetting its roots?
This is not the first instance when Bangladesh has attempted to erode the legacy of Rahman, nicknamed Bangabandhu. After former prime minister Sheikh Hasina left the country, one of Rahman's statues was destroyed in the capital city of Dhaka.
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.
Bangladesh, previously known as East Pakistan, was liberated from Islamabad's clutches in 1971 with India playing a pivotal part. However, the speakers at the press club not only serenaded Jinnah but also chided India.
Nagorik Parishad convenor Md Samsuddin claimed that Bangladesh avoided a fate similar to Kashmir by being a part of Pakistan in 1947.
"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," Samsuddin said.
He added that Dhaka should look to foster ties with China and Pakistan. Md Shakhawat, another attendee claimed that the 'political incompetence' and 'strife' in the Indian subcontinent were ended by Jinnah.
Notably, despite being part of Pakistan, erstwhile East Pakistan received a step-motherly treatment as the region's economy nearly crashed, people suffered while the ruling class, sitting in Islamabad, looked the other way.
The authorities in Islamabad viewed the Bengali Muslims in the East as "too 'Bengali" and their application of Islam as "inferior and impure" and unreliable "co-religionists".
(With inputs from agencies)
