Who was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman?
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh and the great leader of its independence. Under his leadership, Bangladesh gained independence in 1971. He is fondly known as “Bangabandhu,” meaning the Friend of Bengal.
Biography of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who is revered as the Father of the Nation and the undisputed leader of the Bengali people, stands as a monumental figure in history. His extraordinary leadership and courage enabled Bangladesh to emerge as an independent nation. This great leader brought freedom to the Bengali people through struggle and is still remembered with deep respect today.
Early Life
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was born on March 17, 1920, in the village of Tungipara, located in Gopalganj District. His father, Sheikh Lutfor Rahman, and mother, Sayera Khatun, were well-educated and devoted to social service. From an early age, Sheikh Mujib was exceptionally enthusiastic and intelligent. His interest in education and belief in justice led him toward a future political career.
Education and Political Beginnings
Sheikh Mujib started his education in a primary school in Gopalganj. Later, he completed his secondary education at Gopalganj Mission School. He then enrolled at Kolkata Islamia College, where his political career began. Even as a student, Sheikh Mujib was actively involved in politics. In 1943, he joined the Bengal Muslim Students’ League and started working as an active member of the Muslim League in undivided Bengal.
Role in the Language Movement
After the partition of India in 1947, the language movement began in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Sheikh Mujib played a pivotal role in the 1952 language movement to protect the dignity of the Bengali language, the mother tongue of the Bengali nation. This movement proved his integrity, fearlessness, and determination as a leader.
Rise of Political Career
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s political career gained momentum when he founded the Awami Muslim League (later known as the Awami League) in 1949. In 1966, he presented the Six-Point Movement, which became the foundation for the rights and autonomy of the Bengali people. The Six-Point Movement sparked a new dream of independence for the people of East Pakistan and established Sheikh Mujib as a great leader in their eyes.
Liberation War and Independence
On March 7, 1971, Sheikh Mujib delivered his historic speech at the Racecourse Ground (now Suhrawardy Udyan), which ignited the struggle for liberation. His declaration, “This struggle is for our emancipation, this struggle is for our independence,” marked the beginning of the Liberation War. Under his leadership, the Bengali people began their fight for independence. On March 26, 1971, he formally declared Bangladesh’s independence, which culminated in the country’s liberation after a nine-month war on December 16, 1971.
First President and Prime Minister of Independent Bangladesh
After the independence of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujib became the first president and later the prime minister. He dedicated himself to the economic and social reconstruction of the newly-formed country. He established socialism, secularism, democracy, and Bengali nationalism as the fundamental principles of Bangladesh. Under his leadership, the country began to recover from the war-torn state.
Assassination and Legacy
Tragically, on August 15, 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family were brutally assassinated in a military coup. This tragic event marks a dark chapter in Bangladesh’s history. However, his contributions and ideals continue to inspire the Bengali people today.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s political ideals, bravery, and deep love for his nation have immortalized him as a leader. He has been recognized as the Father of the Nation, and his birthday is celebrated as ‘Mujib Year’ to honor his legacy.
Impact of Education
In his educational journey, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman began showing leadership qualities among students. He became involved in student politics and played an active role in forming the Bengal Muslim Students’ League in 1940. While studying at Kolkata Islamia College, he entered the political mainstream and emerged as a national leader.
Political Life and the Struggle for Independence
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s political life began through student politics. Later, he formed the Awami League, which played a major role in securing the rights of the Bengali people in East Pakistan. In the 1970 elections, his party won a significant victory, but the Pakistani government refused to transfer power. This led to the start of the Liberation War, and on March 26, 1971, Sheikh Mujib declared Bangladesh’s independence.
Role in the 1952 Language Movement
The 1952 Bengali language movement was a pivotal moment in Sheikh Mujib’s leadership. He relentlessly fought against the Pakistani government to preserve the dignity of the Bengali language. The success of this movement laid the foundation for the eventual struggle for Bangladesh’s independence.
1971 Liberation War
During the 1971 Liberation War, Sheikh Mujib’s leadership and contributions were exceptional. His call to arms inspired millions of Bengalis to join the war. On December 16, 1971, victory was achieved, and Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation.
Architect of Independent Bangladesh
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman played a leading role in establishing an independent Bangladesh and laying the foundation for its national economy. He drafted the country’s first constitution and took various steps toward social and economic development. On August 15, 1975, he was assassinated along with his family, marking a tragic chapter in Bangladesh’s history.
Bengali Nationalism and Ideology
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s political focus was on the liberation and development of the Bengali people. He always worked for the welfare of ordinary people and strived to build a secular society. His ideals and vision continue to inspire the Bengali nation today.
Important Events in Sheikh Mujib’s Life:
- 1949: Formation of the Awami League
- 1952: Leadership in the Language Movement
- 1966: Presentation of the Six-Point Movement
- 1970: Massive Victory in Elections
- 1971: Declaration of Independence and Liberation Struggle
- 1975: Assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Contributions of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s contributions extended beyond the liberation struggle. He played a vital role in the country’s economy, education, and culture. Under his leadership, various developmental projects were undertaken, which still reflect in many sectors of the country today.
Assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
On August 15, 1975, a group of military officers assassinated Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family. This event is marked as a dark chapter in the history of the Bengali nation. However, Sheikh Mujib’s two daughters, Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, survived as they were abroad at the time. Today, the Bengali people unite in tribute to the memory of his assassination and to honor his legacy.
Conclusion
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was an ideal leader for the Bengali nation. His life and principles will always be revered by the people of Bangladesh, and his contributions to the country’s independence will never be forgotten.
