“Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: Bangladesh’s Independence Architect, Visionary Leader, Symbolizes Hope; Legacy Lives On in Nation’s Heart, A Timeless Inspiration, The Foremost Bengali of a Millennium”
Bonghu Bondhu Sheikh Mujibor Rahman
Father of The Nation
Multifaceted roles as a Politician,
Revolutionary, Statesman, Activist and Diarist .
Born : 17 March 1920
Place : Tungipara, Bengal, British India
(now Gopalganj, Bangladesh)
Died : 15 August 1975 (aged 55)
Dhaka , Bangladesh
Manner of death Assassination :
Resting place Mausoleum of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Nationality :
British subject (1920–1947)
Pakistan (1947–1971)
Bangladesh (1971–1975)
Political party :
Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (1975)
Other political affiliations :
All-India Muslim League (1937–1947)
Muslim League (1947–1949)
Awami League (1949–1971)
Bangladesh Awami League (1971–1975)
Spouse :
Begum Fazilatunnesa
Children’s :
Sheikh Hasina
Sheikh Kamal
Shekh Jamal
Sheikh Rehana
Sheikh Russel
Parents :
Father : Sheikh Lutfar Rahman
Mother : Sheikh Sayera Khatun
Relatives :
Tungipara Sheikh family
Residence : 32 Dhanmondi, Dhaka
Alma mater :
Islamia College, Calcutta (BA)
University of Dhaka
Occupation :
Insurance : Executive
Politician : Statesman
About
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, revered as Bangabandhu, was a significant Bangladeshi figure in Bangladesh . He known for his multifaceted roles as a politician, revolutionary, statesman, activist, and diarist. His influential leadership spanned from April 1971 until his tragic assassination in August 1975, holding pivotal positions as president and prime minister during this period.
Mujib’s leadership was crucial in Bangladesh’s independence movement, marking the resurgence of Bengali sovereignty centuries after the Battle of Plassey in 1757, earning him the title ‘Father of the Nation. His political ideology, referred to as Mujibism, left a lasting impact on the country’s socio-political landscape.
Beginning as a student activist in Bengal during the twilight of British rule, Mujib aligned himself with various political factions, ultimately joining the Awami League. His parliamentary tenure in the 1950s advocated for the rights of East Bengal, distinguished by his sophisticated persona and eloquence.
By the 1960s, Mujib evolved into a prominent nationalist leader in East Pakistan, recognized by his trademark Mujib coat and compelling oratory. His opposition to discrimination, advocacy for autonomy through the 6-point movement, and defiance against Ayub Khan’s regime heightened his prominence.
His pivotal role unfolded in 1970 when the Awami League’s electoral victory faced resistance from a military junta. Mujib’s impassioned 7th March speech marked the initiation of the independence movement. Even while imprisoned in West Pakistan, he boldly declared Bangladesh’s independence during the Liberation War, gaining recognition as the leader of the provisional Bangladeshi government.
Returning to Bangladesh in January 1972, Mujib was hailed as a national hero, symbolizing the nation’s unwavering resilience during its struggle for independence.
Mujib’s leadership prowess extended globally, earning him acclaim as one of the influential leaders of the 20th century. His pursuit of diplomatic ties worldwide, significant treaties, and affiliations with international organizations reflected his statesmanship.
Noteworthy achievements, including drafting Bangladesh’s secular Constitution, transforming East Pakistan into an independent state, and delivering the first Bengali speech at the UN General Assembly in 1974, marked his tenure.
However, his legacy remains contentious within Bangladesh due to economic challenges, the 1974 famine, human rights concerns, and accusations of authoritarianism associated with the Awami League. Despite these controversies, he is widely acknowledged for steering Bangladesh toward independence in 1971.
Mujib’s global recognition persists, with UNESCO commemorating his historic 7th March speech, and his posthumously published works, such as diaries and travelogues, translated into multiple languages, immortalizing his profound influence.
Early life and Family
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader of Bangladesh, hailed from the illustrious Sheikh family and was born on March 17, 1920, in Tungipara, a village in British India. His father, Sheikh Lutfur Rahman, served as a sheristadar (law clerk) in the courthouse of Gopalganj, owning around 100 bighas of cultivable land. Mujib’s mother, Sheikh Sayera Khatun, played the role of a devoted housewife.
The Sheikh family, originally Zamindars of Faridpur Mahakumar, had experienced a shift in fortune over the generations, leading them to embrace a middle-class lifestyle. The lineage traced back to Sheikh Abdul Awal Darwish of Baghdad, an Iraqi Arab who arrived during the Mughal era to propagate Islam in the region.
Mujib, the third child among four daughters and two sons, was affectionately called “Khoka” by his parents. His early education began at Gimadanga Primary School in 1927, and he later attended Gopalganj Public School and Madaripur Islamia High School. Mujib’s passion for politics began to surface during his time at Gopalganj Missionary School, where Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, a prominent political figure, recognized his budding leadership qualities.
In 1942, Mujib completed his education at Gopalganj Missionary School and proceeded to Calcutta for higher studies. He enrolled at Islamia College, where he studied liberal arts, including political science. His college years in Calcutta marked a significant phase of political awakening, as he became involved with the Bengal Provincial Muslim League, the All India Muslim Students Federation, and the broader Indian independence movement.
Sheikh Mujib’s journey from the rural landscape of Tungipara to the political forefront exemplifies his deep-rooted connection to the people’s aspirations. This familial and socio-economic background, coupled with his education and exposure to political activism, laid the groundwork for Mujib’s future role as a charismatic leader and the architect of Bangladesh’s independence.
Early life and Activism
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, born in 1920 in Tungipara village, Bengal, hailed from the respected Bengali Muslim Sheikh family. His ancestors were once influential landowners but experienced a decline in fortune over the generations.
His lineage traced back to Sheikh Abdul Awal Darwish of Baghdad, an Iraqi Arab preacher who spread Islam in the Mughal era. Mujib’s father, Sheikh Lutfur Rahman, worked as a law clerk, while his mother, Sheikh Sayera Khatun, managed their home.
Growing up as the third child among four daughters and two sons, Mujib was fondly nicknamed “Khoka” by his parents. His education journey began at Gimadanga Primary School and continued at Gopalganj Public School and Madaripur Islamia High School. However, a brief hiatus occurred in 1934 due to eye surgery, delaying his return to studies for four years.
Mujib’s early political inclination was noted during his schooling, catching the attention of influential figures like Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy and A.K. Fazlul Huq. He completed his schooling at Gopalganj Missionary School in 1942.
Muslim League politics (1943 – 1949)
During his time in Calcutta, Sheikh Mujib immersed himself in various political spheres, engaging with organizations like the Bengal Provincial Muslim League, the All India Muslim Students Federation, and actively participating in the Indian independence movement and the Pakistan movement.
His political journey took flight with significant roles: a council member within the Muslim League in 1943, followed by assuming secretaryship of the Faridpur District Association in Calcutta a year later. In 1946, during the fervor of the Pakistan movement, he held the prestigious position of General Secretary at the Islamia College Students Union in Calcutta.
Under the guidance of his mentor, Suhrawardy, a leader within the center-left faction of the Muslim League, Mujib played a crucial role in establishing trade unions in Bengal.
These unions tirelessly advocated for the welfare of diverse working-class communities, ensuring their protection amidst the volatile pre-partition period.
Post-partition, Mujib pursued studies at the University of Dhaka’s Law Department. The university, initially modeled after Oxford and Cambridge, underwent significant changes due to partition. Here, Mujib founded the Muslim Students League, a precursor to the Bangladesh Chhatra League.
The decision to declare Urdu as Pakistan’s sole national language during Governor General Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s visit to Dhaka triggered the Bengali Language Movement, drawing Mujib’s active involvement. Additionally, he fervently supported left-wing trade unionism among Bengali factions in the Muslim League, ultimately leading to the formation of the Awami Muslim League in 1949.
Awami League (1949-1971)
Between 1948 and 1971, Mujib emerged as a significant opposition figure in Pakistani politics, representing the voices of Bengali grassroots.
He had a remarkable ability to remember people by their first names, whether they were political leaders, workers, or ordinary citizens. His talent for organizing opposition against the Pakistani government led to frequent detentions by the police.
Mujib’s movements were under constant scrutiny by spies working for the Pakistani government. He faced accusations of advocating for secession and being an Indian agent.
The Intelligence Branch of East Pakistan meticulously documented his activities, compiling several confidential reports. Recently, the Bangladeshi government declassified these once-secret documents, making them available to the public. These previously classified reports have been published for wider access and examination.
Founding of the Awami League
The All Pakistan Awami Muslim League was established on June 23, 1949, in Old Dhaka. Sheikh Mujib was elected as one of its joint secretaries. Initially, the party included “Muslim” in its name but later dropped it to appeal to a broader voter base, including minorities like Bengali Hindus and Pakistani Christians.
Suhrawardy, a key leader, relied on Mujib to organize political activities in East Bengal, becoming his mentor. Before partition, Suhrawardy proposed an independent United Bengal, while Mujib favored autonomy for East Bengal.
The Awami League, led by Suhrawardy at the national level, gave Mujib significant autonomy provincially. He reshaped the party’s direction away from extreme leftism, establishing it as a center-left entity.
The party strongly championed the Bengali Language Movement, advocating for Bengali as a federal language alongside Urdu. Mujib played a pivotal role, even enduring arrests, in organizing protests and hunger strikes to support this cause. His 13-day hunger strike in February 1952 preceded the declaration of February 21 as a strike day. His release from jail coincided with public outrage over police violence against protestors on February 21.
Language Movement
The Awami League passionately championed the Bengali Language Movement, advocating for Bengali to be recognized as a federal language alongside Urdu in Pakistan. They pressed the Constituent Assembly to declare both Urdu and Bengali as national languages, alongside English.
At the Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall conference, Sheikh Mujib played a pivotal role in forming the All-Party State Language Action Committee. However, Mujib faced multiple arrests during this movement.
Upon his release from jail in 1948, he was welcomed by a rally organized by the State Language Struggle Committee.
Mujib notably orchestrated a nationwide student strike on March 17, 1948. In early January 1950, during Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan’s visit to Dhaka for an anti-famine rally, Mujib was arrested for allegedly inciting protests.
Tensions peaked on January 26, 1952, when then Bengali Prime Minister Khawaja Nazimuddin reinforced Urdu as the sole state language. Despite being imprisoned, Mujib played a crucial role in organizing protests, guiding students and demonstrators from jail. He declared February 21, 1952, as a strike day and commenced a hunger strike on February 14, lasting for 13 days before his eventual release on February 26. His release followed public outrage over the police’s fatal crackdown on protestors on February 21, resulting in the deaths of Salam, Rafiq, Barkat, and Jabbar.
United Front
The Awami League allied with parties like the Krishak Praja Party to create the United Front coalition, securing a landslide victory in the 1954 East Bengal legislative elections. This marked Sheikh Mujib’s initial entry into public office as a member of the East Bengal Legislative Assembly. As a United Front member, he won by a significant margin and was inducted into the cabinet under Chief Minister A.K. Fazlul Huq.
However, the coalition government was dismissed soon after, leading to Mujib’s arrest and a period of Governor’s rule before the restoration of the elected government in 1955.
In June 1955, Mujib was elected to the newly reconstituted second Constituent Assembly of Pakistan. He actively advocated for provincial autonomy, opposing the government’s plan to rename East Bengal and stressing the importance of consulting the people on such decisions.
Mujib emerged as a vocal proponent of human rights, strongly advocating for freedom of assembly and speech in Pakistan’s parliament. He highlighted issues of under-representation of Bengalis in federal jobs and emphasized the need for parity between East and West Pakistan.
His role expanded as he became the provincial minister of commerce and industries, enabling him to further connect with the working class. The 1956 constitution marked a triumph as Bengali was recognized as a national language alongside Urdu and English, despite the renaming of East Bengal to East Pakistan.
Mujib’s international engagements included visits to China in 1957 and the United States as part of a State Department program in 1958. Eventually, he resigned from the provincial cabinet to focus entirely on organizing for the Awami League.
Suhrawardy premiership
Between 1956 and 1957, Sheikh Mujib’s mentor, Suhrawardy, served as Pakistan’s 5th Prime Minister.
He emphasized strengthening Pakistan’s ties with the United States and China, advocating for the country’s membership in SEATO and CENTO, alliances of Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern nations.
Suhrawardy’s pro-Western foreign policy led to a split within the Awami League, prompting Maulana Bhashani to form the National Awami Party. Despite this rift, Mujib remained loyal to Suhrawardy.
In 1960, Mujib entered the corporate world, joining the Alpha Insurance Company. He devoted several years to the insurance industry.
However, the political landscape shifted dramatically with the 1958 military coup in Pakistan. Led by Muhammad Ayub Khan, the coup ousted President Iskandar Ali Mirza and dissolved the 1956 constitution. Numerous politicians, including Mujib’s mentor Suhrawardy, were imprisoned and disqualified. Ayub Khan introduced a new constitution that limited universal suffrage and vested electoral colleges with the authority to elect the parliament.
Six point movement
Between 1956 and 1957, Mujib’s mentor Suhrawardy served as the 5th Prime Minister of Pakistan. Suhrawardy strengthened Pakistan’s relations with the United States and China, endorsing Pakistan’s membership in SEATO and CENTO, which fostered opposition from Maulana Bhashani.
After Suhrawardy’s death in 1963, Mujib took on the mantle of General Secretary of the All Pakistan Awami League under the titular presidency of Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan.
Pakistan’s 1962 constitution introduced a presidential republic, setting the stage for Mujib’s pivotal role as an opposition leader against Ayub Khan’s government.
Ayub Khan’s government implemented a system called “Basic Democracy,” sidelining universal suffrage. Mujib actively supported Fatima Jinnah, Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s sister, in the 1965 presidential election.
Jinnah’s campaign drew immense support in East Pakistan, amplifying opposition sentiments against Ayub Khan’s administration. This period witnessed discontent over the inconclusive end to the 1965 war with India and the perceived concessions made in the Tashkent Declaration.
During this turbulent time, Bangladesh faced cultural suppression, including a ban on Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s works in state media. Bengali civil society groups like Chhayanaut ardently preserved Bengali culture in response to state censorship. The Daily Ittefaq, led by Tofazzal Hossain, echoed public demands for democracy, autonomy, and nationalism. Economists in Dhaka University underscored the stark economic imbalance between East and West Pakistan, despite the former’s significant contributions to Pakistan’s revenue.
Mujib’s strategic proposal, the 6-point plan, presented at a pivotal conference in Lahore in 1966, aimed to restore universal suffrage, secure provincial autonomy, and introduce separate economic policies for East and West Pakistan. This proposal resonated deeply in Lahore, symbolizing the essence of the 1940 Lahore Resolution, emphasizing the critical need for equitable policies that acknowledged the diverse needs of both regions.
- The constitution must establish a genuine Federation of Pakistan, adhering to the Lahore Resolution’s principles, and should prioritize a parliamentary system where the elected legislature holds supreme authority through universal adult suffrage.
- The central government’s authority should be limited to defense and foreign affairs, while all other remaining subjects should fall under the jurisdiction of the federating states.
- Consideration could be given to introducing two separate, easily convertible currencies for the two wings. Alternatively, a single currency for the entire country could be adopted, with stringent constitutional measures in place to prevent capital flight from East to West Pakistan. Establishing distinct banking reserves and adopting separate fiscal and monetary policies for East Pakistan is crucial.
- Taxation and revenue collection powers should solely rest with the federating units, denying such authority to the federal center. However, the Federation should receive a portion of state taxes to cover its expenses.
- Maintaining separate foreign exchange accounts for both wings, with equal or proportionate contributions for the federal government’s foreign exchange needs, is crucial. Additionally, facilitating duty-free movement of local products between the wings and empowering the units to foster trade relations with foreign nations should be constitutionally guaranteed.
- Ensuring East Pakistan’s autonomy and safeguarding its interests within the Federation demands the establishment of its independent security force.
Agartala Conspiracy Case
Mujib found himself in a tight spot, getting nabbed by the Pakistan Army. After spending a good two years behind bars, he had to face an official sedition trial in a military court. Picture this—between 1967 and 1969, locked up and all, Mujib decided to pen down his life story.
Now, the whole Agartala Conspiracy Case saga unfolds. Mujib and 34 Bengali military folks were accused of teaming up with Indian agents to cook up a plan to split Pakistan and mess with its unity, order, and security. They said the scheme went down in Agartala, that Indian city in Tripura.
His arrest and the sedition charge set off a firestorm in East Pakistan. Protests and strikes were everywhere. Political and student groups joined forces, throwing in an “11-point plan” that covered everything from students to workers and the poor. The government couldn’t handle the heat, so on February 22, 1969, they dropped the charges and let Mujib walk free the next day.
1969 uprising and Round Table Conference
In 1969, following his release from prison, Sheikh Mujib participated in President Ayub Khan’s Round Table Conference, advocating for East Pakistan’s autonomy.
Despite their past differences, Ayub Khan and Mujib shook hands. Mujib demanded a six-point plan for federal democracy, rejecting Ayub Khan’s assurances. Upon returning to Dhaka, he declared East Pakistan as “Bangladesh” on December 5, 1969, during a public meeting.
His passionate rhetoric ignited Bengali nationalism and pro-independence sentiments, attracting widespread support. Although Bengali nationalism was perceived as a departure from Pakistan’s two-nation theory, Mujib did not explicitly frame it as such.
Bengalis increasingly hailed him as “Bangabandhu,” symbolizing their admiration. Mujib’s political prowess and commitment to autonomy positioned him as a pivotal figure in the Indian subcontinent.
1970 Election
In March 1969, Ayub Khan stepped down, and Yahya Khan assumed the presidency. Prior to the 1970 general election, a devastating cyclone hit East Pakistan, causing immense loss of life and displacement.
The ruling military junta’s slow response to the disaster drew criticism, with accusations of neglect and indifference. International aid became necessary due to the inadequate relief efforts. The dissatisfaction deepened divisions between East and West Pakistan within civil services and the military.
In the December 1970 general elections, the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujib, won a landslide in East Pakistan, securing 167 out of 169 seats in the National Assembly.
This victory positioned Mujib as the Prime Minister-elect. However, a political crisis unfolded as PPP leader Zulfikar Ali Bhutto threatened to boycott parliament if Mujib formed the government.
Bhutto’s stance led to negotiations, and ultimately a secret agreement was reached for a coalition government, with Bhutto as president and Mujib as Prime Minister. Amidst these developments, fears of civil war and pressure on Yahya Khan to dissolve the government escalated.
Establishment of Bangladesh
Civil disobedience
On March 3, 1971, the National Assembly was set to meet in Dhaka, but President Yahya Khan’s indefinite postponement triggered an uprising in East Pakistan. Protests engulfed major cities, and sensing a crackdown, Sheikh Mujib addressed the people on March 7. Although he stopped short of declaring independence, Mujib expressed frustration at East Pakistan’s denied governance.
He proclaimed the Awami League’s new goal as eventual independence, urging resistance committee formations and fortification of homes. The following 17 days witnessed a non-cooperation movement, with the Awami League collecting taxes and suspending transfers to West Pakistan.
East Pakistan came under Awami League control, marked by Bangladeshi flags on March 23. Negotiations persisted, but West Pakistani troops and arms shipments hinted at an impending crackdown.
Outbreak of war
On March 25, 1971, talks collapsed as President Yahya Khan declared martial law, banned the Awami League, and ordered the arrest of Sheikh Mujib and other Bengali leaders. The Pakistan Army initiated Operation Searchlight. In response, Mujib, through telegrams sent by representatives in Chittagong, announced Bangladesh’s independence, urging resistance against the occupation. His midnight message declared, “Bangladesh is independent. Your fight must go on until the last soldier of the Pakistan occupation army is expelled.”
Shortly after the declaration, Mujib was arrested without charges, flown to prison in West Pakistan, and kept under heavy guard near Faisalabad. He later faced a court-martial trial presided over by General Rahimuddin Khan, resulting in a death sentence deferred three times.
The Pakistan Army’s actions in East Pakistan, labeled as genocide, involved atrocities, rapes, and the targeting of civilians. Amid escalating conflict, the Provisional Government of Bangladesh emerged, backed by a Mukti Bahini insurgency. Despite international pressure, the Pakistani government refused negotiations. Following Indian intervention in December, the Pakistan Army surrendered to the allied forces of Bangladesh and India.
Homecoming
Following Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s ascension to the presidency after Yahya Khan’s resignation, international pressure led to the release of Sheikh Mujib on January 8, 1972. Accompanied by Kamal Hossain, Mujib met secretly with Bhutto and Aziz Ahmed in Rawalpindi.
Bhutto proposed mediation through the Shah of Iran, but Mujib, after consulting with Hossain, declined and requested a flight to London. Flown to London via Cyprus, Mujib was welcomed by British officials, and British Prime Minister Edward Heath discussed Bangladesh’s Commonwealth membership with him at 10 Downing Street.
Addressing the media at Claridge’s Hotel, Mujib expressed his joy and remarked, “We have won our freedom in an epic liberation struggle.” The British government provided an RAF plane for his return to Bangladesh, accompanied by members of the Provisional Government and Indian diplomat Shashank Banerjee. During the flight, Banerjee and Mujib discussed adopting the Westminster-style parliamentary government in Bangladesh.
Mujib also requested the withdrawal of Indian troops from Bangladesh. The RAF plane made a stopover in New Delhi, where Mujib was welcomed by Indian President V. V. Giri and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The emotional homecoming in Dhaka, captured in iconic photos, marked Mujib’s return to a jubilant million-strong crowd at Tejgaon Airport and a memorable speech at the Ramna Race Course.
Governing Bangladesh
After briefly holding the provisional presidency, Sheikh Mujib assumed the role of Prime Minister. In January 1972, Time magazine depicted the aftermath of the Pakistani army’s destructive rampage, comparing some cities to the aftermath of a nuclear attack. The war’s impact included the destruction of 6 million homes, leaving 1.4 million farm families without tools, disrupted transportation and communication systems, damaged roads and bridges, and blocked inland waterways.
The new government swiftly transformed East Pakistan’s state apparatus into an independent Bangladeshi state. A presidential decree converted the High Court of East Pakistan into the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. The Awami League reorganized the bureaucracy, framed a constitution, and rehabilitated war victims. Mujib, through a presidential decree, introduced a parliamentary republic in January 1972, with the Prime Minister holding significant power.
The Constituent Assembly, consisting mostly of Awami League members, adopted the constitution on November 4, 1972, coming into force on December 16, 1972. Despite swift enactment, criticism arose due to the assembly’s composition. Mujib implemented a job quota for backward regions and addressed a gun control problem by persuading former guerrillas to surrender their arms.
The President’s Relief and Welfare Fund aimed to rehabilitate 10 million displaced Bangladeshis, and 11,000 new primary schools were established while 40,000 were nationalized. Critics argued that the Awami League’s approach relied on Mujib’s charisma and dictatorial decisions.
Withdrawal of Indian troops
One of Sheikh Mujib’s initial priorities was securing the prompt withdrawal of Indian troops from Bangladesh. He urged the Indian government to ensure a swift exit of military forces from Bangladeshi territory, and a timeline was established for their rapid withdrawal.
Within three months of Pakistan’s surrender to the allied forces of Bangladesh and India, the withdrawal was successfully executed. A formal ceremony at Dhaka Stadium on March 12, 1972, marked the occasion, with Mujib inspecting a guard of honour from the 1st Rajput Regiment. By March 15, the withdrawal of Indian forces was completed. Following this, numerous countries established diplomatic relations with Bangladesh. The episode of India’s intervention and subsequent withdrawal has been cited as a successful instance of humanitarian intervention in international law.
War criminals
In 1972, Sheikh Mujib, expressing deep sorrow, informed David Frost that although he considered himself a forgiving individual, witnessing images of the 1971 Bangladesh genocide brought tears to his eyes. He characterized the events as cold-blooded, planned murder and genocide, stating that forgiveness was impossible. Mujib emphasized the need for accountability, suggesting a trial or inquiry under the United Nations, akin to the Nuremberg trials for war criminals in fascist Germany.
Committing to justice, he initiated a trial for approximately 11,000 local collaborators of the Pakistan Army, conducted by the Collaborators Tribunal. In 1973, the International Crimes (Tribunal) Act was introduced to prosecute 195 Pakistani PoWs under Indian custody, leading to an International Court of Justice case filed by Pakistan against India.
The Delhi Agreement facilitated the transfer of PoWs to Pakistani custody, yet Bangladesh maintained that these individuals should be held accountable for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. In 1974, the Third International Criminal Law Conference supported calls for the establishment of an international penal court at the Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs.
Economic policy
Sheikh Mujib declared socialism as a national policy during his tenure. His land reforms limited land ownership to under 25 bighas, effectively eradicating the zamindari system. Landowners with larger holdings faced taxes, and farmers were required to sell their products at government-set prices.
Mujib nationalized all banks, insurance companies, and 580 industrial plants, reducing foreign investment and keeping the stock exchange closed. In 1974, international oil companies were invited to explore the Bay of Bengal, leading to the creation of Petrobangla after the Bangladeshi government purchased gas fields from Shell.
The national airline Biman was established, and industrial projects like the Ghorashal Fertilizer Factory and Ashuganj Power Station were initiated. The Soviet Navy cleared naval mines in the Port of Chittagong, restoring operations. Despite facing challenges such as resettling displaced people, organizing food supply, and dealing with the aftermath of the 1970 cyclone, the economy gradually recovered.
The first Five Year Plan, headed by economist Nurul Islam, aimed to diversify exports and transform Bangladesh into a producer of value-added products. Private sector companies, including the Bangladesh Export Import Company and Advanced Chemical Industries, emerged.
However, Mujib’s government grappled with serious issues, and socialist policies led to challenges. The economy deteriorated due to conflict, and the 1974 famine, attributed to government mismanagement, heightened food prices and widespread starvation in Rangpur district.
Despite these setbacks, the economy eventually recovered. Mujib’s socialist measures were later overturned by subsequent governments, marking the most intensely socialist period in Bangladesh’s history. By the 1990s, the Awami League shifted to a center-left stance in economic policies.
Video link : President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Interview with AP in 1972.
Legal reforms
The Constitution of Bangladesh marked a historic milestone as the first written constitution in the Bengali language. Introduced by the Awami League, it presented a new bill of rights that surpassed the laws of East and West Pakistan in breadth and inclusivity. Beyond freedom of speech and religion, the constitution highlighted property rights, the right to privacy, the prohibition of torture, safeguards during detention and trial, the abolition of forced labor, and freedom of association.
The Awami League repealed contentious laws from the Pakistani era, including the Public Safety Act and Defense of Pakistan Rules. Women’s rights gained increased attention, and the constitution discouraged discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, gender, place of birth, or disability.
Secularism
While progressive reforms to Muslim family law were adopted in Pakistan as early as 1961, Bangladesh made history in 1972 by becoming the first constitutionally secular state in South Asia, introducing the term “secularism” for the first time in the region.
Despite the constitution’s declaration of secularism as a state policy, Sheikh Mujib prohibited “anti-Islamic” activities such as gambling, horse racing, and alcohol. He established the Islamic Foundation to oversee Muslim religious affairs, including the collection of zakat and the determination of dates for religious observances like Eid and Ramadan.
During Mujib’s leadership, Bangladesh joined the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in 1974, alongside other Muslim-majority secular republics like Turkey and Nigeria. Although secularism was later removed from the constitution during the late 1970s military dictatorship, the Supreme Court reinstated it in 2010.
Mujib clarified that secularism did not imply irreligiosity, emphasizing the freedom for Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, and others to practice their respective religions without interference. He staunchly opposed the exploitation of religion for political gain in Bengal, expressing confidence that the people would resist any such attempts.
Foreign policy
In the early 1970s, Sheikh Mujib emerged as a highly charismatic leader on the global stage, advocating for a foreign policy grounded in “friendship to all, malice to none.” His main goals were to secure aid for reconstruction and relief, normalize diplomatic relations worldwide, and gain membership in major international organizations.
A major achievement of Mujib’s foreign policy was the successful normalization of diplomatic relations with numerous countries, leading Bangladesh to join the Commonwealth, the UN, the OIC, and the Non-Aligned Movement. He cultivated alliances with leaders such as Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of India and Marshal Tito of Yugoslavia.
Japan became a crucial aid contributor, and the Soviet Union supplied MiG-21 planes for the Bangladesh Air Force. Despite initial challenges, including a Chinese veto on UN entry in 1972, Bangladesh gained admission in 1974 when China withdrew its opposition.
The United States recognized Bangladesh’s independence in April 1972, pledging $300 million in aid, and several other countries, including Britain, Malaysia, Indonesia, West Germany, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, extended recognition in February 1972.
Assassination
On August 15, 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader of Bangladesh, met a tragic end during a military coup orchestrated by renegade officers. The coup claimed the lives of Mujib’s wife, three sons, two daughters-in-law, and other relatives. Backed by Awami League politician Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad, the coup perpetrators, including fifteen junior army officers, seized control, leading to the arrest and execution of four key allies of Mujib. Despite warnings from Indian intelligence, Mujib, trusting his people, dismissed the threat.
The coup marked the beginning of a martial law regime, with Ziaur Rahman emerging as the country’s dictator. Only Mujib’s daughters, Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, survived the tragedy. Legal immunity granted by the Indemnity Ordinance persisted for 26 years until its repeal in 1996.
Subsequent legal actions led to the execution of several coup plotters, while others remain fugitives. In 2022, five fugitives, including coup leader Rashid, are still at large. Bangladesh seeks the deportation of convicted individuals residing in Canada and the United States.
Family
Mujib wed Fazilatunnesa when he was eighteen, and she was eight years old, known as Begum Mujib in Bangladesh. They were second cousins and had two daughters, Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, along with three sons—Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal, and Sheikh Rasel.
During the 1971 Liberation War, Kamal organized Mukti Bahini and received a wartime commission in the Bangladesh Army. Jamal, trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, joined the Bangladesh Army as a Commissioned Officer.
The Sheikh family faced house arrest during the Liberation War until December 17. Sheikh Kamal and Jamal managed to escape and join the fight for freedom.
Tragically, almost the entire Sheikh family was assassinated on August 15, 1975, during a military coup, with only Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana surviving. Mujib is the maternal grandfather of Tulip Siddiq, a British MP, and Sajeeb Wazed is his eldest grandson.
Legacy
In 2004, BBC Bangla radio listeners voted Sheikh Mujib as the greatest Bengali, surpassing notable figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam. In 2011, Bangladesh’s parliament declared him the “Father of the Nation” in the constitution’s 15th amendment.
বঙ্গবন্ধু_শেখ_মুজিবুর_রহমান_এর_সমাধিসৌধ
The government celebrated Mujib Year in 2020, commemorating his centenary, leading up to Bangladesh’s 50th independence anniversary in 2021. Despite being revered for independence leadership, his post-1971 policies and BAKSAL creation are divisive. Awami League emphasizes his legacy, but critics cite authoritarianism.
Many places, roads, and institutions in Bangladesh bear his name, and his image appears on currency. Internationally, streets in India, Turkey, and Mauritius honor him. Archer Blood and Gary J. Bass praised his charisma, while Fidel Castro likened him to the Himalayas.
Mujib admired global leaders, including Lincoln, Mao, Churchill, Kennedy, Gandhi, and Nehru.
Bibliography
Mujib is celebrated as a political diarist, having kept a diary during his early political career in the 1940s and 1950s. Translated into English as “The Unfinished Memoirs” by Fakrul Alam, the book was published by Penguin Books in India and Oxford University Press in Pakistan. It has been translated into numerous languages, including French, Spanish, Korean, and Arabic. During his imprisonment from 1967 to 1969, Mujib wrote another diary, later published in Bengali as “The Prison Diaries.” Additionally, he penned a travelogue about his visits to China in the 1950s, titled “The New China as I Saw.”
- “The Unfinished Memoirs.” The University Press Limited, Penguin Books, and Oxford University Press. 2012. ISBN 978-9845061100.
- “The Prison Diaries.” Bangla Academy. 2017. ISBN 978-0470602645.
- “Amar Dekha Noya Chin” (in Bengali). Bangla Academy. 2020. ISBN 978-9840759880.
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