In the aftermath of Bangladesh’s historic political transition, I, like many others, found myself contemplating the country’s future. The student-led movement that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s regime was inspiring, filled with the hope that the long-standing issues in Bangladesh could finally be addressed. Yet, as time has passed and the interim government has taken charge, I can’t help but wonder if we’re witnessing a shift in focus that feels misplaced. The decision to cancel the observance of several national days, including the commemoration of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic speech on March 7 and the mourning of his assassination on August 15, is emblematic of a government more concerned with symbolism than with the urgent issues at hand.
The cancellation of these national observances has sparked controversy across the nation. For some, it signals a break from the past—a step toward resetting national priorities and focusing on a future unshackled by the political legacy of the Awami League. But for many, this decision feels like a distraction from the real work that needs to be done. In a country riddled with economic instability, institutional corruption, and systemic challenges, should the government really be focused on canceling national days?
The Significance of National Days
National days are more than just dates on a calendar—they are a reflection of a country’s identity, its struggles, and its aspirations. In Bangladesh, days like March 7 and August 15 are not merely symbolic; they carry the weight of history and the collective memory of a people who fought for independence and endured immense hardship. The cancellation of these days has raised questions about what the interim government seeks to achieve.
March 7, for instance, commemorates Sheikh Mujib’s powerful speech in 1971, which mobilized the nation toward independence. To many, this day is sacred, a reminder of the sacrifices that were made for the freedom Bangladesh now enjoys. August 15 marks Mujib’s assassination, a tragic event that altered the country’s political trajectory forever. Cancelling such observances feels, to some, like an erasure of the very foundation upon which modern Bangladesh was built.
For others, particularly those who have grown weary of the Awami League’s long grip on power, the cancellations may seem like a necessary step to break away from the politics of the past.
After all, many of these national days have become synonymous with the deification of Sheikh Mujib and his family—something that critics argue has distorted the nation’s focus and overshadowed more pressing issues. But is this the right approach?
A Country in Need of Urgent Attention
When I think about the real issues facing Bangladesh, it becomes clear that the country has far bigger problems than whether or not we celebrate certain national days. The interim government, which took power after the fall of an authoritarian regime, was expected to steer the country toward much-needed reforms. People anticipated action on issues like police brutality, institutional corruption, economic instability, and the safeguarding of democratic norms.
Instead, the focus seems to have shifted to symbolic gestures. The cancellation of national days may grab headlines, but it does little to address the structural problems that continue to plague the country. Bangladesh’s economy is in a precarious state, and the gap between the wealthy elite and the struggling masses is widening. Corruption, both in government and the private sector, is rampant, and without meaningful reforms, these problems will continue to fester.
By concentrating on the removal of certain observances, the interim government risks alienating large segments of the population who see these national days as integral to the country’s identity. Worse, this move might suggest to the public that the government is more concerned with optics than with enacting the reforms that Bangladesh so desperately needs.
The Role of National Memory
One of the most concerning aspects of the decision to cancel these national observances is the potential impact on national memory. Sheikh Mujib is an iconic figure in Bangladesh’s history, and while his legacy is complex, there is no denying his importance in the country’s struggle for independence. Cancelling March 7 and August 15 risks erasing key moments in the nation’s history—moments that shaped the very fabric of Bangladesh.
The cancellation of days like Sheikh Mujib’s birthday or National Children’s Day may seem insignificant to some, but for others, it feels like a step toward rewriting history. It’s a delicate balance. On one hand, there is a valid argument to be made that the political landscape in Bangladesh has become too focused on one family, at the expense of broader national concerns. On the other hand, these observances represent more than just the legacy of Sheikh Mujib—they are tied to the country’s hard-won independence and the values that were born out of that struggle.
National days, particularly those tied to the liberation war, serve as a reminder of the shared history that unites the people of Bangladesh. They are an opportunity to reflect on the country’s journey, to honor those who made sacrifices, and to reaffirm the commitment to building a better future. Cancelling these days without offering a meaningful alternative risks alienating large portions of the population who feel deeply connected to this history.
Misaligned Priorities?
From my vantage point, it seems clear that the interim government’s priorities may be misaligned. The decision to cancel national observances feels like a distraction from the real issues that are crying out for attention. Instead of focusing on symbolic gestures, the government should be dedicating its efforts to tackling the systemic problems that are holding Bangladesh back.
The economy is struggling, with inflation rising and job opportunities diminishing for the youth. The health and education sectors are in dire need of reform, and the country’s infrastructure, though improving, still lags behind in many areas. Corruption continues to be a significant issue, with many in positions of power using their influence for personal gain. These are the challenges that the interim government should be addressing.
By focusing on national days, the government risks giving the impression that it is more interested in rewriting the past than in building a better future. The people of Bangladesh are looking for real change—reform that will address the root causes of the country’s problems, not just surface-level adjustments.
A Country in Transition
Bangladesh is at a crossroads. The fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime has created an opportunity for the country to rebuild and move forward. But with this opportunity comes great responsibility. The interim government must navigate the complex landscape of political reform, economic recovery, and social justice. And it must do so in a way that addresses the real needs of the people.
The cancellation of national days may seem like a minor issue, but it is indicative of a larger problem—a government that is focusing on the wrong things at a critical time. The people of Bangladesh did not rise up against an authoritarian regime simply to see their new government get bogged down in symbolic gestures. They want real change, and they deserve it.
Moving Forward
As I reflect on the events unfolding in Bangladesh, I find myself torn. On one hand, I understand the desire to break away from the past and create a new narrative for the country. The Awami League’s long grip on power, and its use of national days to bolster its political legacy, has left many feeling disillusioned. But on the other hand, I worry that the focus on canceling national days is a distraction from the urgent issues that need attention.
What Bangladesh needs now is a government that is focused on action. Reforming institutions, addressing corruption, improving the economy, and ensuring that the country’s democracy is safeguarded—these are the priorities that should be at the top of the agenda. Canceling national days may make headlines, but it does little to solve the real problems facing the country.
The interim government must remember that it was brought to power on a wave of hope and expectation. The people of Bangladesh are looking for leadership that is focused on creating a better future, not just rewriting the past.
It is time for the government to shift its focus away from symbolic gestures and toward the substantive reforms that will truly make a difference in the lives of ordinary Bangladeshis.
In the end, the decision to cancel national days may seem like a small issue in the grand scheme of things, but it speaks to a larger problem of misplaced priorities. The people of Bangladesh deserve a government that is focused on the future, not one that is distracted by the past. It is time for the interim government to step up and address the real challenges facing the country, before it’s too late.
