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TL;DR:
- Bangladesh’s interim government cancels eight national days, including those commemorating Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
- Adviser Nahid Islam declares the government does not recognize Sheikh Mujib as the Father of the Nation.
- The cancelled days are described as “imposed” by the Awami League and deemed unimportant by the current government.
- This decision marks a significant shift in national policy and historical narrative, potentially impacting Bangladesh’s political landscape.
The interim government of Bangladesh has announced the cancellation of eight national days and stated that it does not recognize Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the Father of the Nation. This significant shift in national policy was revealed by Nahid Islam, adviser on posts, telecommunications, and information technology, during a press conference on October 16, 2024.
Among the canceled national days are March 7, which commemorates Sheikh Mujib’s historic speech, and August 15, marking his assassination and observed as National Mourning Day. Other canceled days include Sheikh Mujib’s birthday on March 17, birth anniversaries of his family members, National Constitution Day, and Smart Bangladesh Day.
Nahid Islam explained the government’s stance, stating, “Awami League made Bangabandhu controversial. As a party, AL was in power through fascist tactics — snatching people’s voting rights, abductions, murders, and even genocide. So, who called him the Father of the Nation, and which day they declared as National Day, none of that will continue in the new Bangladesh. We want to rebuild Bangladesh.”
When directly asked if the interim government acknowledges Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the Father of the Nation, Nahid responded with a firm “Of course not.” He emphasized that many figures contributed to the nation’s history, saying, “Our history didn’t begin in 1952. We have anti-British struggles, 1947, 1971, 1990, and now 2024. We have many founding fathers, and our freedom came through their collective struggles.”
The adviser described the canceled national days as “imposed” by the Awami League, characterizing this as “fascist behavior.” He added that the government finds these days unimportant, hence their cancellation.
This decision marks a significant departure from previous governments’ policies and has sparked debates about the country’s historical narrative and national identity. The move is likely to face strong opposition from supporters of the Awami League and those who view Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a key figure in Bangladesh’s independence struggle.
As Bangladesh navigates this shift in its official historical narrative, the impact on national unity and political discourse remains to be seen. The interim government’s actions suggest a broader reassessment of the country’s past and a potential redefinition of its national heroes and commemorative days.
Source: TBS News
