As a Bangladeshi citizen, I often find myself grappling with the mythologized narrative surrounding Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, known affectionately as Bangabandhu, the "Father of the Nation." While his role in leading Bangladesh to independence in 1971 is undeniably significant, the relentless veneration by the Awami League government often overshadows the complexities and failures of his tenure. This article delves into the cult of personality surrounding Mujib, examining how it conceals the darker aspects of his leadership and the significant challenges he faced while in power.
The Awami League has meticulously crafted and maintained the cult of personality around Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. This process involves celebrating his achievements, emphasizing his role in the liberation struggle, and portraying him as an infallible leader. His portraits adorn public offices, schools, and billboards, while his speeches and writings are taught as gospel truths in educational institutions. National holidays and commemorations further reinforce his heroic image.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mujib's daughter, has played a crucial role in this process. Still grieving the assassination of her father nearly 50 years ago, Hasina ensures the nation grieves with her. Once sidelined from official history, Mujib is now the subject of a personality cult that designates him “Father of the Nation.” Ms. Hasina has foregrounded his legacy in what critics say is an effort to entrench her ruling Awami League, which dominates national politics.
Her government has enacted stiff punishments for any comments, written work, or social media posts that could be construed as defaming Mujib's legacy.
Critics argue that Hasina has essentially introduced a "secular blasphemy law" in the country for her father, similar to the ones seen in one-party states.
Since her return to office in 2009, Mujib's visage has appeared on every banknote and in hundreds of public murals across Bangladesh. Dozens of roads and institutes of higher learning have been named after him, and the constitution was changed to require his portrait to be hung in every school, government office, and diplomatic mission.
As Mahmudur Rahman, a bold critic of the current regime, points out, this cult of personality extends beyond mere commemoration. It involves extensive propaganda and state-sponsored celebrations, like the lavish "Mujib Borsho" (Year of Mujib) festivities, despite the country grappling with poverty, malnourishment, and unemployment. This excessive veneration not only distorts historical truth but also stifles dissent and critical thinking. Rahman and other critics highlight the myriad issues plaguing the nation under this regime, including corruption, repression, and the erosion of civil liberties.
The constant glorification of Mujib, they argue, serves to distract from these pressing issues and maintain the ruling party's grip on power.
Early Challenges and Governance Issues
Upon assuming power, Mujib was confronted with an array of daunting challenges. The newly independent Bangladesh was in ruins, grappling with severe shortages of essential goods, a devastated infrastructure, and widespread lawlessness. Mujib's initial efforts to stabilize the country were met with significant obstacles. His administration struggled to control prices and ensure the availability of essential goods, leading to widespread public dissatisfaction.
Despite receiving substantial international aid, the government’s inability to manage the economy effectively resulted in bankruptcy by the end of 1973. Mujib's failure to address these economic issues eroded public confidence and highlighted the shortcomings of his leadership.
The public's disillusionment was further compounded by the rampant corruption within the government and the ruling Awami League. Corruption was pervasive, affecting every level of the administration and contributing to the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of government policies.
This not only hindered economic recovery but also deepened the public's disillusionment with the new regime.
One of the most controversial aspects of Mujib's rule was the establishment of the Jatiya Rakkhi Bahini, an elite paramilitary force directly loyal to him.
Intended to counterbalance the regular military and maintain internal security, the Rakhi Bahini quickly gained a reputation for brutality and corruption. Their heavy-handed tactics, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and widespread human rights abuses, terrorized the population.
The Rakhi Bahini's actions further alienated the military and the general populace, as they were seen as Mujib's personal enforcers rather than a legitimate security force. This contributed to growing resentment and opposition to Mujib's rule.
The existence and actions of the Rakhi Bahini illustrate a darker side of Mujib's governance, one characterized by a willingness to use coercive force to maintain control. This paramilitary force not only alienated the military but also further disillusioned the general populace, contributing to the growing unrest and opposition to Mujib’s rule.
The 1973 Election and Military Discontent
The parliamentary elections of 1973 revealed significant discontent within the military ranks. Despite Mujib's efforts to project stability and unity, the voting patterns in military cantonments showed overwhelming support for opposition candidates. This was a clear indication that the military was disillusioned with Mujib's leadership. Reports indicated that over 80% of the troops voted against Mujib's Awami League candidates, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the government's performance and its treatment of the military.
This discontent was rooted in several factors. The military felt marginalized and underappreciated, especially given their crucial role in the liberation struggle. Many officers and soldiers believed that they had been sidelined in favor of the Rakhi Bahini and Awami League loyalists who had not participated in the fighting. Additionally, the military was poorly equipped and poorly treated, with inadequate supplies and substandard living conditions, further fueling their resentment.
In 1973, in a gesture of solidarity with Egypt during the Arab-Israeli war, Bangladesh sent a plane-load of tea to the Egyptian government. This seemingly innocuous act had unforeseen consequences when Egyptian President Anwar Sadat decided to reciprocate by gifting Bangladesh thirty T-54 tanks. Mujib was initially alarmed at the prospect of having such military hardware in Bangladesh, fearing it would empower the military. However, under pressure from his advisers, he accepted the tanks.
The arrival of the tanks in July 1974 significantly boosted the capabilities of the Bangladeshi military, particularly the 1st Bengal Lancers, the country's only armored regiment. Major Farook Rahman, the most experienced armored corps officer, effectively gained control of these tanks. This set the stage for the events that would ultimately lead to Mujib's downfall.
The Humanitarian Crisis and Famine of 1974
One of the most harrowing periods of Mujib’s leadership was the famine of 1974. Widespread flooding devastated large parts of the country, leading to severe food shortages. Mujib's government struggled to respond effectively to the crisis, with inadequate relief efforts exacerbating the suffering. Thousands of people died of starvation, highlighting the administration's inability to manage the humanitarian disaster.
The famine and government's response exposed Mujib's leadership failures. The public’s patience wore thin as they grappled with the harsh realities of survival, further eroding support for Mujib and his administration.
The crisis highlighted the government's lack of preparedness and the inefficiency of its response mechanisms. Despite receiving substantial international aid, the government's failure to distribute food and resources effectively led to widespread suffering and disillusionment among the populace.
Political Violence and Repression
Political violence escalated, with intra-party squabbles and opposition groups contributing to the chaos. Mujib's reliance on the paramilitary Rakhi Bahini to suppress dissent and maintain order only added to the public's disillusionment. The Rakhi Bahini's heavy-handed tactics, including mass arrests and disappearances, fueled further resentment against the government.
The infamous Demra camp, where thousands of destitute people were forcibly relocated, became a symbol of Mujib's failure to address the humanitarian crisis. Conditions in the camp were appalling, leading to further criticism of Mujib's administration.
The political repression extended beyond the Rakhi Bahini's actions.
Mujib's government implemented measures to curtail freedom of the press and suppress political opposition. Journalists and political activists who criticized the government faced harassment, imprisonment, and, in some cases, violence.
These actions further alienated segments of the population and contributed to the growing opposition to Mujib's rule.
In a desperate bid to maintain control and address the myriad challenges facing his administration, Mujib formed the Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BAKSAL) on January 25, 1975. This radical move effectively dissolved all other political parties, making BAKSAL the sole legal political entity in Bangladesh. Mujib justified this decision by arguing that it was necessary to bring about socio-economic reforms and achieve national unity. However, the formation of BAKSAL marked a significant departure from the democratic principles that had underpinned the independence movement.
BAKSAL was envisioned as a platform to implement Mujib's vision of a socialist and self-reliant Bangladesh. It aimed to centralize power and streamline governance to tackle the country's pressing issues more effectively. Under this new system, the country was divided into 60 districts, each governed by a governor appointed by Mujib. This centralization of power was intended to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies and curb corruption.
However, the implementation of BAKSAL was met with widespread opposition and criticism. Many viewed it as an attempt to establish a one-party dictatorship, stifling political pluralism and dissent.
The suppression of political opposition, along with the curtailment of press freedom, further alienated segments of the population. Journalists and political activists who criticized the government faced harassment, imprisonment, and, in some cases, violence. These actions further alienated segments of the population and contributed to the growing opposition to Mujib's rule.
The establishment of BAKSAL also deepened the discontent within the military. Many officers saw it as an attempt by Mujib to consolidate power and marginalize the military further. This discontent, coupled with the economic hardships faced by the populace, set the stage for the coup that ultimately led to Mujib's assassination.
Rising Tensions and the August Coup
As the political and economic situation in Bangladesh deteriorated, tensions within the military reached a boiling point. Major Farook and Major Rashid, two prominent officers, began plotting to overthrow Mujib. They were motivated by a combination of personal grievances, disillusionment with Mujib's leadership, and a desire to restore order and discipline within the military.
In the early hours of August 15, 1975, the plotters launched their coup. They moved quickly and decisively, taking control of key military installations and surrounding Mujib's residence in Dhanmondi. The Rakhi Bahini, which had been Mujib's primary security force, was caught off guard and failed to mount an effective defense. Mujib and most of his family were brutally murdered in the attack.
The coup was a turning point in Bangladesh's history. It marked the end of Mujib's vision of a democratic and secular Bangladesh and ushered in a period of military rule and political instability. The plotters, despite their initial success, struggled to consolidate power, and the country experienced further coups and counter-coups in the following years.
Aftermath and Legacy
The assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had profound implications for Bangladesh. It led to a significant shift in the country's political landscape, with the military emerging as a dominant force. The new regime, led by Khandaker Moshtaque Ahmed, sought to distance itself from Mujib's policies and dismantle the structures he had put in place, including the Rakhi Bahini.
Mujib's death also left a lasting impact on the country's collective psyche. He had been a symbol of hope and independence for many Bangladeshis, and his violent end shattered the idealism that had characterized the early years of the nation's independence.
The period that followed was marked by political repression, economic hardship, and social unrest.
In the years since Mujib's assassination, his legacy has been the subject of intense debate and reflection. While he is remembered as the father of the nation and a champion of Bengali nationalism, his tenure as leader of independent Bangladesh is also criticized for its autocratic tendencies and governance failures. The establishment of BAKSAL, the suppression of political opposition, and the reliance on the Rakhi Bahini are often cited as significant missteps that contributed to his downfall.
The continued reverence for Mujib by the Awami League serves to maintain the party's political legitimacy and power. However, this reverence often precludes a critical examination of his leadership and its impact on Bangladesh's history. A balanced and nuanced understanding of Mujib's legacy is essential for appreciating the complexities of the country's early years and the challenges it faced.
The cult of personality surrounding Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, perpetuated by the Awami League government, serves to hide the complexities and failures of his leadership. While Mujib’s role in leading Bangladesh to independence is undeniably significant, his tenure as the country’s leader was marked by numerous challenges, governance issues, and controversial decisions.
A more nuanced examination of Mujib's legacy is essential for understanding the full scope of his impact on Bangladesh. Acknowledging his achievements while also critically assessing his failures provides a more accurate and comprehensive portrayal of his leadership. Only through such balanced scrutiny can the true history of Bangladesh be appreciated, beyond the mythologized image of its founding father.
