Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a central figure in the political history of South Asia and the founding leader of Bangladesh. Revered as Bangabandhu (Friend of Bengal), he played a decisive role in the struggle against political, economic, and cultural marginalisation of the Bengali population of former East Pakistan. His leadership culminated in the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, making him one of the most influential nationalist leaders of the twentieth century.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s life and political career were closely intertwined with the evolution of Bengali nationalism, democratic aspirations, and the emergence of Bangladesh as a sovereign state. His ideology combined mass-based politics, linguistic nationalism, and social justice, which resonated deeply with the Bengali populace.

Early Life and Education

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was born on 17 March 1920 in Tungipara, a village in the Gopalganj district of Bengal Presidency, then under British colonial rule. He belonged to a middle-class Muslim family, which provided him with early exposure to rural life and the socio-economic challenges faced by ordinary people.
He received his early education in local schools before enrolling at Calcutta Islamia College (now Maulana Azad College), where he became actively involved in student politics. During this period, he came into contact with prominent political leaders and was influenced by the ideals of anti-colonialism, democracy, and social equality. His political consciousness developed alongside the broader movement for independence from British rule.

Entry into Politics and Role in Muslim League

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman began his political career as a student activist and later joined the All-India Muslim League. Following the Partition of India in 1947, he became involved in the politics of the newly formed state of Pakistan, particularly advocating for the rights of East Pakistan, which was geographically separated from West Pakistan by over a thousand miles of Indian territory.
He soon emerged as a prominent organiser and spokesperson for Bengali interests. Disillusioned with the centralised and elitist nature of Pakistani politics, he played a key role in founding the Awami Muslim League in 1949, later renamed the Awami League. This party became the principal vehicle for Bengali political mobilisation and democratic resistance.

Language Movement and Bengali Nationalism

One of the defining episodes of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s early political career was his involvement in the Bengali Language Movement. When the Pakistani government attempted to impose Urdu as the sole state language, it sparked widespread opposition in East Pakistan, where the majority spoke Bengali.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman supported the demand for Bengali to be recognised as a state language and was imprisoned for his role in the movement. The Language Movement of 1952 became a cornerstone of Bengali nationalism and laid the foundation for later demands for political autonomy and cultural recognition.

Six-Point Movement and Autonomy Demands

In 1966, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman announced the historic Six-Point Programme, which called for extensive autonomy for East Pakistan. The programme demanded federalism, separate currencies or fiscal systems, and control over taxation and revenue by the provinces. It directly challenged the political and economic dominance of West Pakistan.
The Six-Point Movement transformed Sheikh Mujibur Rahman into the undisputed leader of East Pakistan. Although the Pakistani authorities branded the programme as secessionist, it gained massive popular support. His repeated arrests, including during the Agartala Conspiracy Case, further enhanced his stature as a symbol of resistance and popular will.

Role in the 1970 Elections

The general elections of 1970 were a turning point in the history of Pakistan. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman led the Awami League to a landslide victory in East Pakistan, securing an absolute majority in the National Assembly. This electoral mandate entitled him to form the central government of Pakistan.
However, the refusal of the West Pakistani leadership to transfer power led to a prolonged political crisis. Negotiations failed, and tensions escalated rapidly. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s insistence on democratic principles and constitutional rights highlighted the deep structural inequalities within Pakistan.

Leadership in the Liberation Struggle

On 7 March 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered his historic speech at the Racecourse Ground in Dhaka, effectively calling for civil disobedience and resistance. The speech is widely regarded as a de facto declaration of independence, mobilising the Bengali population for the final struggle.
Following the military crackdown by Pakistani forces on 25 March 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was arrested and taken to West Pakistan. Despite his imprisonment, the liberation movement continued under his leadership in absentia. After a nine-month war, Bangladesh achieved independence in December 1971 with the support of India.

Prime Ministership and Governance

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman returned to Bangladesh in January 1972 and assumed office as the country’s first Prime Minister. He faced the monumental task of rebuilding a war-ravaged nation. His government focused on drafting a constitution, rehabilitating refugees, restoring infrastructure, and establishing state institutions.
The Constitution of Bangladesh, adopted in 1972, was based on four fundamental principles:

• Nationalism
• Socialism
• Democracy
• Secularism

Despite early optimism, his tenure was marked by economic difficulties, administrative challenges, and political instability. Natural disasters, famine, and limited resources strained the new state, while opposition and internal dissent grew.

Introduction of One-Party System

In 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman introduced a one-party political system under the banner of Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BAKSAL). He argued that this move was necessary to ensure political stability, economic development, and national unity.
However, the suspension of multi-party democracy and curtailment of press freedom attracted significant criticism. Many viewed this shift as authoritarian and contrary to the democratic ideals that had inspired the liberation struggle.

Assassination and Aftermath

On 15 August 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated along with most of his family members in a military coup. The assassination marked a tragic and abrupt end to his political life and plunged Bangladesh into a period of prolonged political turmoil and military rule.
The event remains one of the most traumatic episodes in the nation’s history. Subsequent governments altered political narratives and legal frameworks, delaying justice for decades. Eventually, several of the perpetrators were tried and executed.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is widely regarded as the Father of the Nation in Bangladesh. His contribution to the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent state is unparalleled. He symbolised the aspirations, sacrifices, and resilience of the Bengali people.