how will the people of Bangladesh respond to this bold redefinition of their national story?
In a surprising move, Nahid Islam, an adviser to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, announced today that the interim government does not recognize Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, commonly known as Bangabandhu, as the Father of the Nation. This marks a major shift in the country’s political narrative, as Mujib has long been celebrated as the founding leader who led Bangladesh to independence in 1971.
“Bangabandhu has been made controversial by the Awami League,” Islam stated during a press briefing at the Secretariat. He went on to accuse the recently ousted Awami League of holding power in a “fascist manner,” suppressing voting rights and engaging in enforced disappearances, killings, and even what he referred to as “genocide.”
When pressed on whether he personally views Mujib as the Father of the Nation, Islam was blunt: “The Awami League’s declarations—whether it’s naming someone as the Father of the Nation or creating national holidays—won’t stand in the new Bangladesh we are building.”
The adviser emphasized that the government aims to take a fresh approach to national history, suggesting that the narrative of Bangladesh’s independence should not be confined to the events of 1971 alone. “Our history didn’t start in 1952,” he added, referencing earlier anti-colonial struggles as well as more recent political upheavals in 1990 and 2024. “Many people contributed to our freedom; we have multiple founding fathers.”
Islam also hinted at plans to cancel national holidays established by the Awami League, calling them “imposed” and “fascist.” Instead, the government may introduce a new national day to honor mass uprisings that shaped the country’s modern identity.
This reexamination of Bangladesh’s founding narrative could trigger a backlash from those who view Mujib’s legacy as integral to the nation’s identity. For decades, Bangabandhu has been a symbol of Bangladesh’s struggle for independence, and the decision to challenge his role may provoke strong reactions from both political allies and the broader public.
As the interim government moves forward with its efforts to reshape the country’s political and historical landscape, the question remains: how will the people of Bangladesh respond to this bold redefinition of their national story?