Sheikh Mujibur Rahman returns to the newly independent Bangladesh as president after spending over nine months in prison in Pakistan.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (Bengali: শেখ মুজিবুর রহমান; 17 March 1920 – 15 August 1975), affectionately known across the globe as Bangabandhu, meaning "Friend of Bengal," stands as the venerable Founding Father of Bangladesh. A pivotal politician and statesman, he courageously led the successful campaign for Bangladesh's hard-won independence from Pakistan. His profound leadership saw him serve as the nascent nation's first President, transitioning to the role of Prime Minister from April 1971 until his tragic assassination in August 1975. So instrumental was his role in shaping the destiny of Bangladesh that he is universally revered as the "Jatir Janak" or "Jatir Pita," both honourifics translating to "Father of the Nation."

Born into a politically aware family, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman emerged as a charismatic and forceful orator, quickly ascending through the ranks of the Awami League, a significant East Pakistan-based political party founded in 1949. From its inception, the Awami League championed the rights of the Bengali people within the then-larger state of Pakistan. Mujib's early political career was marked by his unwavering advocacy for democracy and socialism, principles that would later form the bedrock of an independent Bangladesh. He gained immense popularity by vociferously opposing the systemic ethnic, linguistic, and institutional discrimination faced by Bengalis, who despite constituting the majority of Pakistan's population, were marginalized politically and economically by the West Pakistani establishment. His daughter, Sheikh Hasina, continues his formidable legacy, currently serving as the leader of the Awami League and as the incumbent Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

The Road to Independence: From Autonomy to Liberation

As sectional tensions between East and West Pakistan escalated, fueled by profound economic disparities, the imposition of Urdu over the Bengali language, and an unequal share in governance and resources, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman presented his historic Six-Point Autonomy Plan on 5 February 1966 in Lahore. This groundbreaking charter, often described as the "Magna Carta of Bengalis," demanded substantial autonomy for East Pakistan, advocating for a federal system with powers decentralized to the provinces. Key demands included fiscal and foreign exchange autonomy, the right to form a separate currency or an easily convertible one for each wing, and the power to maintain provincial militias. This bold articulation of Bengali aspirations led to his repeated imprisonment by the authoritarian regime of Field Marshal Ayub Khan on charges of treason, further cementing his image as a symbol of resistance among the masses.

Mujib’s political prowess was unequivocally demonstrated in the first-ever democratic general election of Pakistan held in December 1970. Under his dynamic leadership, the Awami League secured an overwhelming mandate, winning 160 out of 162 seats in East Pakistan and consequently a clear majority of 167 seats in the 313-seat National Assembly of Pakistan. This landslide victory should have paved the way for the Awami League to form the government. However, the ruling military junta, unwilling to cede power to an East Pakistani party, unlawfully refused to invite Mujib to form a government, plunging the nation into an unprecedented constitutional crisis and igniting widespread civil disobedience across East Pakistan.

Against this backdrop of escalating unrest and political impasse, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered a landmark speech at the Race Course Maidan (now Suhrawardy Udyan) in Dhaka on 7 March 1971. This powerful address, attended by millions, was a de facto declaration of independence, though strategically indirect to avoid immediate full-scale military crackdown. In his electrifying address, he famously proclaimed, "Ebarer Shongram Amader Muktir Shongram, Ebarer Shongram Shadhinotar Shongram" (This struggle is for our emancipation, this struggle is for our independence), urging the people to prepare for a war of liberation. He called for a non-violent non-cooperation movement and advised every household to be prepared for resistance, signalling the ultimate goal of independence for what would become Bangladesh.

The Pakistani military's brutal response came swiftly. In the late hours of 25 March 1971, Operation Searchlight was launched – a pre-planned military crackdown aimed at crushing the Bengali nationalist movement. On the night of March 25-26, Prime Minister-elect Mujib was arrested from his Dhanmondi residence and flown to solitary confinement in West Pakistan. Simultaneously, the military unleashed a horrific campaign of genocide, systematically targeting Bengali civilians, students, intellectuals, politicians, and military defectors. This genocidal campaign, widely recognized as the 1971 Bangladesh Genocide, led to the deaths of an estimated 3 million people and the displacement of millions more into neighboring India.

During Mujib’s arduous nine-month imprisonment, the liberation struggle intensified. Many Bengalis, fueled by an indomitable spirit of freedom and under the banner of the Mukti Bahini (Liberation Army), waged a fierce guerrilla war. They received crucial support from the Indian Armed Forces, ultimately leading to the decisive defeat of the Pakistan Armed Forces in December 1971, culminating in the birth of the independent People's Republic of Bangladesh. Following intense international pressure for his release, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was finally freed from Pakistani custody. He made a triumphant return to a liberated Dhaka on 10 January 1972, after brief diplomatic stops in London and New Delhi, to a hero's welcome from a jubilant nation.

Building a New Nation: Challenges and Legacy

Upon his return, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman assumed the mantle of Prime Minister under a parliamentary system, a democratic framework adopted by the newly independent nation. He swiftly tasked the provisional parliament with drafting a new constitution, which was enacted on 4 November 1972. This foundational document enshrined four core principles – Nationalism, Secularism, Democracy, and Socialism – collectively known as Mujibism, reflecting his overarching political philosophy for Bangladesh:

In the country's first general election in 1973, the Awami League, still riding the wave of independence, secured another overwhelming mandate, reflecting the immense trust placed in Mujib. However, the nascent nation faced colossal challenges. The devastation left by the war, coupled with a severely disrupted economy, led to rampant unemployment, crippling poverty, and widespread corruption. The situation was further exacerbated by the catastrophic Bangladesh famine of 1974, which claimed thousands of lives. This crisis was triggered by war-related disruptions, severe floods, and global food price hikes, overwhelming the nascent government's capacity to respond effectively.

During this period, Mujib's government also faced increasing criticism. Concerns were raised regarding the constitutional recognition of indigenous minority groups, particularly those in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, who felt marginalized by the centralist policies. Furthermore, human rights organizations documented instances of alleged violations by security forces, most notably the Jatiya Rakkhi Bahini (National Defence Force), a paramilitary organization established to maintain law and order, which was accused of extrajudicial killings and suppressing political opposition, leading to a climate of fear among some segments of the population.

Amidst rising political agitation and a deteriorating economic situation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in January 1975, moved to establish a controversial one-party socialist rule under the Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BAKSAL) system. This drastic shift was justified by his government as a necessary measure to consolidate national unity, combat corruption, and expedite economic recovery, but it drew considerable criticism for curbing multi-party democracy and freedom of the press.

Tragically, just six months later, on 15 August 1975, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and almost his entire family were brutally assassinated by a group of disgruntled, renegade army officers during a military coup. This devastating event not only ended his life but also plunged Bangladesh into a period of prolonged political instability, immediately leading to the establishment of a martial law government. Despite the controversies of his later years, his profound impact on the nation remains undisputed. In a testament to his enduring legacy and his pivotal role in shaping Bengali identity and statehood, a 2004 BBC poll overwhelmingly voted Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the "Greatest Bengali of All Time."

Frequently Asked Questions about Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

Who was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman?
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a Bangladeshi politician and statesman, widely recognized as the Founding Father of Bangladesh. He led the successful movement for independence from Pakistan and served as the first President and later Prime Minister of Bangladesh from 1971 until his assassination in 1975.
What does "Bangabandhu" mean and why was he called that?
"Bangabandhu" (বঙ্গবন্ধু) is an honorific title meaning "Friend of Bengal." It was bestowed upon Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by the people of Bangladesh in 1969, reflecting his deep connection with the Bengali nation and his unwavering commitment to their rights and aspirations for self-determination and liberation from Pakistani rule.
What was the "Six-Point Autonomy Plan"?
The Six-Point Autonomy Plan, proposed by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in February 1966, was a charter of demands for greater self-governance for East Pakistan. It sought extensive autonomy, including control over currency, foreign trade, and provincial militias, and became a foundational blueprint for the Bengali nationalist movement, symbolizing their aspirations for freedom from West Pakistani domination and economic exploitation.
When did Bangladesh gain independence?
Bangladesh declared independence on 26 March 1971, following the launch of Operation Searchlight by the Pakistan Army. However, the full victory and official recognition of Bangladesh as an independent nation came on 16 December 1971, when Pakistani forces surrendered at the end of the Bangladesh Liberation War, bringing an end to the nine-month conflict.
What were the four fundamental principles of Mujibism?
The four fundamental principles of Mujibism, enshrined in Bangladesh's 1972 Constitution, are Nationalism, Secularism, Democracy, and Socialism. These principles were intended to guide the newly independent nation's path toward unity, social justice, and democratic governance, reflecting Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's vision for a progressive and egalitarian Bangladesh.