The nine-month war of liberation, led by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, stands as Bangladesh’s paramount achievement. Continuing his legacy, his daughter, the esteemed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, tirelessly strives to fulfill the mission for which many sacrificed. Bangabandhu’s noble ideals will forever guide the Bengali nation towards a prosperous future. Renowned poet Annada Shankar Ray aptly proclaimed, “As long as the Padma, Meghna, Gouri, Jamuna flow, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, your accomplishments will live on.” His life epitomizes exemplary leadership qualities, including patriotism, humanity, respect, adept leadership, tireless dedication, oratory prowess, integrity, and fearlessness, making him the greatest Bengali of a millennium.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s multifaceted nature and remarkable talents offer profound lessons when delving into his life through the lens of history. The proverb “Morning shows the day” rings particularly true in his case, as his childhood displayed glimpses of his future greatness. From excelling as a swimmer to showcasing exceptional football skills, Bangabandhu’s early years reflected his diverse abilities. Moreover, his innate compassion and empathy were evident from a young age. Whether inviting disadvantaged peers for meals or selflessly offering his possessions to those in need, his actions spoke volumes about his character. These acts of kindness not only garnered admiration from his peers but also earned him blessings from his astounded mother. Such benevolent gestures underscored Bangabandhu’s unwavering commitment to serving others and laid the foundation for his future as a beloved leader.
From a young age, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s extraordinary talents and compassionate nature were apparent. On one occasion, he distributed paddy from his family’s warehouse to the needy, explaining to his father Lutfur Rahman that the floods had devastated the crops of sharecroppers, leaving them in dire need. His father was deeply moved by Mujib’s honesty, courage, and generosity, which endeared him to the hearts of the poor and destitute.
Additionally, Mujib’s inherent revolutionary spirit became evident during his high school years. When Prime Minister Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq and Minister Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy visited Gopalganj Missionary School, Mujib fearlessly represented the students, highlighting the deplorable condition of their school hostel and the urgent need for repairs. Despite initial surprise, Sher-e-Bangla swiftly acted on Mujib’s request, providing the necessary funds for renovating the hostel. Mujib’s boldness, straightforwardness, and benevolence left an indelible mark on those around him, foreshadowing his future as a champion of the people.
In 1948, Sheikh Mujib established the East Pakistan Muslim Chhatra League and concurrently engaged in the ‘All-Party Language Action Committee’. He was arrested on March 11 for leading a general strike advocating for Bengali to be recognized as a state language. Upon Nazimuddin’s government of East Bengal reaching an accord with the committee, Mujib was released, securing a proposal for Bengali to be acknowledged as Pakistan’s state language. In 1949, he assumed the role of Joint Secretary in the newly formed Awami Muslim League, later rising to the position of General Secretary in 1953. Sheikh Mujib contested the inaugural general election of Pakistan in 1954 as a United Front candidate, earning a seat in the provincial legislature. Subsequently, he served as the Minister for Agriculture and Forests in the Jukto Front government, despite enduring numerous arrests due to his relentless activism in advocating for the rights of the people.
In 1966, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib unveiled the historic six-point program, deemed the Bengalis’ blueprint for independence. Subsequently, he faced frequent arrests under national security laws and was implicated in the Agartala Conspiracy case. However, amidst a mass uprising in 1969, he was released. On February 23, 1969, the ‘Chhatra Sangram Parishad’ organized a massive reception at Racecourse Meydan, attended by hundreds of thousands, where Tofail Ahmed bestowed upon Mujib the title of Bangabandhu.
The 1970 general election underscored Bangabandhu’s immense popularity, with the Awami League securing 167 out of 169 parliamentary seats under his leadership. Despite this resounding mandate, Pakistani rulers refused to transfer power, resorting to conspiracies. In response, Sheikh Mujib rallied for freedom from these machinations. His historic 18-minute address on March 7, 1971, delivered to over a million listeners at Racecourse Meydan, resonated with emotion, clarity, and vision. Recognized by UNESCO as one of the world’s finest speeches, it galvanized the nation, earning Mujib the moniker “the poet of politics” by Newsweek magazine.
Bangabandhu’s leadership epitomized the essence of charismatic leadership, rooted in unwavering dedication to the rights and welfare of his people. His call for a civil disobedience movement on March 7 ignited a flame of defiance against injustice. By urging every household to fortify itself for the struggle ahead, he embodied resilience and determination. His words, “Since we have given blood, we will give more of it,” encapsulated the spirit of sacrifice and unwavering commitment to liberation. Bangabandhu’s legacy endures as a beacon of inspiration, his 7th March speech serving as a timeless testament to the power of words in the pursuit of freedom and justice.
On the fateful night of March 25, 1971, the Pakistani military unleashed a brutal crackdown on unarmed Bangalees. In response, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh in the early hours of March 26. Shortly after, he was arrested and taken to Pakistan by the Pakistani military. Despite his physical separation from his people, his call to arms inspired Bangalees to wage a full-scale war for liberation. On April 17, 1971, the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was established, with Bangabandhu appointed as President and Commander-in-Chief, marking the beginning of the nation’s journey towards independence.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman cherished his homeland’s honor above all else. On December 24, 1962, he met Indian diplomat Sashanka S Banerjee, handing him a letter addressed to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, seeking India’s support with dignity and respect. His towering personality captivated student activists and the masses. Banerjee, deeply impressed by Bangabandhu, described him as an unparalleled leader—handsome, eloquent, courageous, patriotic, and humble. Bangabandhu’s unwavering commitment to liberty and his ability to inspire others marked him as a unique figure in history.
Bangabandhu envisioned a Bangladesh adorned not with material wealth, but with the eradication of poverty and the fostering of unity among its people. His dream encompassed a state where communal harmony prevailed, transcending religious divides to create a secular society where Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and Muslims coexisted harmoniously. His ideals resonate with virtues that inspire individuals to realize their fullest potential.
We greatly honor Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for exemplifying these virtues, his ideals remain a guiding light for our nation. Like the steadfast North Star, his principles illuminate Bengal’s political terrain, providing direction and motivation. As our independent nation persists, Bangabandhu’s legacy persists, leading us towards a brighter and more unified future.
