Bangladesh’s Political Shift: Fall of Mujibur Rahman’s Legacy

Bangladesh’s political shift post-Hasina is shaking up decades of dynastic politics, as youth-led movements challenge Mujibur Rahman’s legacy. With a ‘second liberation’ in the making, let’s explore how this shift is taking place: 

Every rise has its fall, they say. The proverb fits well in the realm of politics and international relations too. Today’s heroes can turn into tomorrow’s villains if history takes a new leaf. Globalization and the proliferation of information technology have intensified this dynamic. A pertinent example is Bangladesh, where the founding father, Mujib-ur-Rahman, is increasingly being depicted in a negative light. 

As Bangladesh distances itself from Mujibur Rahman’s legacy, here is how the nation is moving forward: 

Rise of the Protests Against Haseena Wajid

No one could anticipate that the movement that started after Haseena reinstated the 30% quota for the descendants of freedom fighters in June 2024 would lead to her eventual downfall.  With Sheikh Hasina ousted amidst violent protests in August 2024, Bangladesh is witnessing a significant political shift. Hasina, who ruled for more than 15 years, had anchored her government on the legacy of her father, Mujib-ur-Rahman, Bangladesh’s founding leader. However, the post-Hasina landscape shows signs of rejecting this long-standing political narrative.

Protestors Target Mujib’s Legacy:

The student-led protests that toppled Hasina also targeted symbols of her father’s rule. On August 5, 2024, anti-government protesters in Dhaka vented their frustrations by pulling down a statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bijoy Sarani. This act was broadcast across local and international media which symbolized the profound rejection of the Mujibur Rahman’s legacy. Protesters also defaced public murals depicting him and damaged his former home, now a memorial, where he and most of his family were assassinated​.

The ‘Second Liberation’:

Protestors have called this moment the “second liberation” of Bangladesh, positioning themselves against the dynastic politics of the Awami League. With opposition parties and military leadership discussing interim governance, it’s evident that Mujibur Rahman’s legacy is no longer the unifying national myth it once was.

Repeal of Security Measures for Mujib-ur-Rahman’s Family:

The advisory council approved the “Security of Family Members of the Father of the Nation (Repeal) Ordinance, 2024.” The decision was made during a meeting chaired by interim chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan stated that the ordinance aims to eliminate discrimination associated with the previous law. The earlier law had granted special security to the family of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The public security division initiated the repeal, deeming such special security unnecessary. This serves as a symbolic shift away from the protective legacy associated with Mujib’s family.

Discussions on Shifting to Proportional Representation:

The interim government is actively discussing reforms in Bangladesh’s electoral system, specifically the shift from the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system to a proportional representation (PR) system. Many political parties support this change, believing it will lead to more equitable representation and peaceful elections.

Shift Away from Haseena’s Foreign Policy:

Strong bilateral ties with India were central to Mujibur Rahman’s legacy and later Sheikh Hasina’s foreign policy. India supported Bangladesh during its liberation war, and the relationship has since evolved into a strategic partnership. However, both the interim Bangladesh government and contemporary public opinion hold reservations about relations with India, particularly concerning India’s policies toward its Muslim population.

Arrest Warrant for Haseena Wajid:

On October 17, 2024, a Bangladeshi court issued an arrest warrant for exiled former leader Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August after a student-led revolution overthrew her. Authorities charged her with widespread human rights abuses, including mass detentions and extrajudicial killings during her 15-year rule. This single decision highlights the eroding legacy of Mujib-ur Rahman in Bangladesh’s political discourse.

Call for Trial of AL Leaders:

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Shafiqur Rahman has called for the trial of the Bangladesh Awami League under the “black laws” enacted during its rule. Rahman criticized the Awami League for its history of banning political opponents and expressed scepticism about its willingness to change. He condemned the party’s tenure as marked by extremism and terrorism.

Strict Actions Against Fraudulent Freedom Fighters:

Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam announced actions against individuals who fraudulently obtained freedom fighter certificates. After meeting the Australian ambassador in September 2024, he confirmed an investigation into irregularities related to government jobs under the freedom fighter quota, ensuring that only children of genuine freedom fighters benefit. He emphasized that falsely claiming such status is a punishable offence.

Also See: Crisis in Bangladesh: A Historical Perspective

Erosion of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Legacy

Haseena Wajid’s ouster and the deterioration of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s legacy interlink as key phenomena in contemporary Bangladesh’s politics. Is this true? If yes, how does the nexus hold, let’s dive deeper:

• Historical Controversies of Mujib: Mujibur Rahman’s leadership is not without its controversies, which have come under scrutiny. His tenure saw one-party rule under the BaKSAL system, economic mismanagement, atrocities of his personal militia Rakkhi Bahini and the devastating famine of 1974. In the last few years, the youth of Bangladesh has been closely observing the true historical underpinnings which have led to a growing disillusionment with his legacy.
  
• The shift in National Identity: Mujibur Rahman has long been portrayed as the “Father of the Nation.” His image is deeply embedded in Bangladesh’s national consciousness. However, political identities are dynamic. Recent protests reflect a growing shift in how Bangladeshis, especially the youth, perceive their national heroes. Much of this shift can be attributed to the politics of Sheikh Hasina Wajid. Her undemocratic policies have also defamed her father’s image. 
  
• Rejection of Dynastic Politics: Hasina’s reliance on her father’s image for political legitimacy has faced increasing criticism. The protesters see Mujibur Rahman’s legacy as the foundation of a political dynasty that has monopolized power for decades. While Bangladesh has made enormous economic progress under her tenure, economic growth alone cannot promise a stable environment. Representation, inclusion and respect are also fundamental political rights of people which she failed to ensure.

Reassessing Mujibur Rahman’s Legacy in Bangladesh

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been serving as chief adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh since 8 August 2024, post-Haseena ouster. Under his leadership, Bangladesh is expected to usher in a more inclusive political framework, moving away from the personality-driven, family-centric politics of the past. The new wave of leadership aims for a more diversified political culture, which may challenge the foundational legacy of Mujib and the Awami League’s dominant narrative. As Bangladesh navigates this transition, its political landscape is set to shift dramatically away from the Rahman family’s historical legacy​. 

As we look to the future, we have to see how the country will chart its course through the complexities of domestic and foreign politics.

SAT Commentaries’ are social media threads by various authors, reproduced here for website use. Views are their own.

SAT Commentary

SAT Commentaries, a collection of insightful social media threads on current events and social issues, featuring diverse perspectives from various authors.

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