Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman played a leading role in Bangladesh's independence struggle from Pakistan. He was a charismatic leader and served as the President of Bangladesh after independence in 1971. His leadership and foresight were instrumental in the formation of the newly independent country.
On the terrible morning of August 15, 1975, a group of army officers launched a coup against the government of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The gang, led by wayward army officers, attacked his residence in Dhaka. As a result of the coup, most of the family members including Bangabandhu, his wife, sons Sheikh Kamal and Sheikh Jamal, child Sheikh Russel, relatives and government officials were brutally killed.
After the assassination of Bangabandhu, a military government took control of Bangladesh and the country experienced years of political instability. The new regime followed a different political agenda, which changed the political landscape of the country.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman formally declared the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan on March 26, 1971 in response to years of political, economic, social, and linguistic and cultural rule, exploitation, oppression, and marginalization of the people of the then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) under the ruling class of West Pakistan. .
This declaration marked the beginning of the Bangladesh War of Independence, which was organized as a nine-month armed conflict between the liberation-seeking common people of Bangladesh and the Pakistani military. The war ended with the victory of the Bangladesh Liberation Army on December 16, 1971, thereby establishing Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign nation.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman contributed significantly to nation building in Bangladesh as an independent nation. His leadership and vision laid the foundation for the country's development and progress.
As the founding leader of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu played a leading role in guiding the nation during its formation. His leadership provided stability and direction to a country that had just emerged from a long and arduous struggle for independence.
After Bangladesh's war of independence, the country faced massive infrastructure destruction and a humanitarian crisis. Bangabandhu focused on reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts, rebuilding the war-torn country and helping millions of displaced and affected citizens.
Under his leadership, the first constitution of independent, sovereign Bangladesh was adopted in 1972, providing a framework for governance and democratic principles. The constitution reflects the ideals of Bengali nationalism, democracy, secularism and socialism, reflecting Bangabandhu's humanitarian vision for a progressive and inclusive nation.
Bangabandhu emphasized the importance of social justice and economic justice. He advocated policies to uplift the marginalized and disadvantaged sections of society with a view to a more equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities.
Bangabandhu's government initiated agrarian reforms to address the problems of land ownership and landlessness. The reforms sought to provide land to landless peasants, promote agricultural development and eradicate rural poverty.
Under Bangabandhu's leadership, the government nationalized several key industries and institutions to ensure state control over strategic sectors of the economy and increase economic self-reliance.
He was vocal in favor of women's rights and empowerment. His government took steps to improve women's participation in education, the workforce, and politics. He tried to promote gender equality in various spheres of society.
Bangabandhu's foreign policy focused on establishing good relations with other countries and promoting regional cooperation. He actively participated in the Non-Aligned Movement and sought international diplomatic recognition and support for Bangladesh.
Bangabandhu laid emphasis on national unity and preservation of Bengali culture, language and heritage. He wanted to build a strong national identity and pride among the people of Bangladesh.
Bangabandhu was a strong proponent of world peace and disarmament. He called for an end to the arms race and nuclear proliferation, advocating for a world free from the threat of war.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's dream of building a "Sonar Bangla" was a prosperous, self-reliant and just Bangladesh. He expressed this vision during his leadership and wanted to transform the newly independent country into an ideal society where people could live with dignity, freedom and prosperity.
Bangabandhu emphasized economic development as the basis of his vision to build a “Sonar Bangla”. He envisioned an economy that would be self-sufficient and able to meet the basic needs of citizens. He believed in reducing poverty and income inequality, promoting industrialization and developing the agricultural sector to ensure food security and economic growth.
He advocated a secular state where people of all religions could practice their religious beliefs freely and vigorously. His vision aimed to maintain religious tolerance and inclusion in the country.
Bangabandhu's dream was ambitious and aimed to transform Bangladesh into a modern, progressive and self-reliant state.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's brutal killing is a cause of deep regret for the Bengali nation for several significant reasons. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the founding leader of Bangladesh and played a leading role in the country's struggle for independence and its early years as an independent nation.
His vision, leadership and dedication to the welfare of Bengalis was instrumental in shaping the nation's identity and direction. As a result of his assassination, the Bengali nation lost a visionary leader who showed the ability to lead Bangladesh towards progress and prosperity.
Bangabandhu's unwavering commitment to Bangladesh's independence led to long and repeated imprisonments and personal sacrifices. He endured years of struggles and adversities and fought for the freedom of the country. His brutal murder created a tragic end in the life of the Bengali nation. Bangabandhu sacrificed himself for the betterment of his people and country.
The assassination of a democratically elected leader is a serious blow to the principles of democracy and the sanctity of elected governance. This disrupts the democratic process and plunges the nation into a long period of political instability.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is called the 'Father of the Nation' in Bangladesh. His memory is cherished; he holds a special place in the hearts of Bengalis. His assassination is a deep loss that the nation still feels, as he represented the aspirations of crores of Bengalis.
Although Bangladesh has made significant progress since its independence, regret for Bangabandhu's brutal assassination is a reminder of the challenges in protecting democracy and human rights, and the need to ensure justice and accountability in such tragedies.
Democratic governance returned to Bangladesh through free, independent and peaceful elections under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's daughter Sheikh Hasina. Since being elected Prime Minister in 1996, Sheikh Hasina has led the government of Bangladesh several times. She played an important role in shaping the political scenario of the country and implementing various developmental initiatives.
Bangabandhu's contribution and dream of a united and prosperous Bangladesh has left an indelible mark in the nation's history. After his assassination, his daughter Sheikh Hasina has been working tirelessly to fulfill Bangabandhu's dream and build a golden Bengal. She has become a prominent political figure in Bangladesh and the outside world. She is playing an important role in advancing Bangabandhu's vision and goals. It is said that she has made Bangladesh a role model for development.
August 15, 1975 was a tragic event in the life of the Bengali nation. On this day, despite the tragic killing of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the best father of the Bengali nation for a thousand years, his contribution to the country's independence and nation building is remembered with respect in the country and outside the country. By defeating all the negative forces and turning grief into strength, the Bengali nation is moving towards development and progress. Get motivated to move forward. As a visionary leader and "Father of the Nation", Bangabandhu is and will remain an eternal beacon in Bengali life for the progress and development of the country.
Dr. Matiur Rahman: Researcher and development worker.