Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
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Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (Bengali: শেখ মুজিবুর রহমান, Sheikh Mujibur Rôhman; 17 March 1920 – 15 August 1975) was a Bangladeshi politician, statesman, and the founding leader of Bangladesh. Known as the "Father of the Nation," he played a pivotal role in the country's liberation from Pakistan and its subsequent independence.[1]
| Sheikh Mujibur Rahman | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the 1950s | |
| President of Bangladesh | |
| 17 April 1971 | To 15 August 1975 |
| Predecessor | Office established |
| Successor | Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad |
| Prime Minister of Bangladesh | |
| 12 January 1972 | To 24 January 1975 |
| Predecessor | Office established |
| Successor | Muhammad Mansur Ali |
| Personal Information | |
| Born | 13 June 1920 Tungipara, Faridpur District, Bengal Presidency, British India |
| Died | 15 August 1975 (aged 106) Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| Children | Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal, Sheikh Rehana, Sheikh Russel |
| Spouse | Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib |
Early Life
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was born on 17 March 1920 in Tungipara, in the Faridpur District of British India. He was the third child of Sheikh Lutfur Rahman and Sayera Khatun. Mujib completed his early education in Gopalganj, later attending the University of Calcutta and University of Dhaka.[2]
Political Career
Sheikh Mujib's political journey began with his involvement in the All India Muslim Students Federation and later the All India Muslim League. In 1949, he became a founding member of the Awami League and quickly rose to prominence as a voice for Bengali rights within Pakistan.[3]
Six-Point Movement
In 1966, Sheikh Mujib proposed the Six-Point Program, demanding greater autonomy for East Pakistan. The program became the foundation of Bengali nationalism and escalated tensions with the central government of West Pakistan.[4]
Bangladesh Liberation War
In the 1970 general elections, Sheikh Mujib's Awami League secured a majority, but the central government refused to transfer power. On 7 March 1971, Mujib delivered his historic speech in Dhaka, calling for civil disobedience and preparation for independence.[5]
Following the Pakistan Army's launch of Operation Searchlight on 25 March 1971, Sheikh Mujib was arrested and flown to West Pakistan. The Bangladesh Liberation War ensued, leading to the creation of an independent Bangladesh on 16 December 1971.[1]
Presidency and Governance
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became the first President of Bangladesh on 17 April 1971 and later served as Prime Minister of Bangladesh from 1972 to 1975. He implemented socialist policies, including nationalizing key industries and land reforms.[6]
Assassination
On 15 August 1975, Sheikh Mujib and most of his family were assassinated in a military coup. Only his daughters, Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, survived as they were abroad.[7]
Legacy
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is revered as the "Father of the Nation" in Bangladesh. His vision for a secular and independent Bangladesh has left a lasting impact on the country's identity.[1] His daughter, Sheikh Hasina, is the current Prime Minister of Bangladesh.[8]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Encyclopaedia Britannica: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
- ↑ Early Life of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
- ↑ Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Early Political Career
- ↑ Six Points Program of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
- ↑ UNESCO: 7 March Speech
- ↑ Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Presidency
- ↑ BBC: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Assassination
- ↑ Sheikh Hasina’s Political Legacy