Regardless of one’s affiliation with BNP or Awami League, this is unacceptable. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is the Father of the Nation.

As we traverse the landscape of Bangladesh’s political and cultural history, it is crucial to reflect on the pivotal moments that shaped our nation’s identity. The language movement of 1952 and the liberation war of 1971 stand out as defining events, with towering figures like Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman guiding our struggle for autonomy and dignity. However, in recent times, there has been a concerning trend of diminishing respect for our history and its key architects. The question arises: Will we forget the sacrifices of the liberation war and the contributions of Bangabandhu, particularly in the context of modern political tensions?

The liberation war of 1971 was not merely a conflict over territory; it was a battle for identity, culture, and the fundamental rights of Bengali people. Leading this charge was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a figure synonymous with our quest for liberation. His vision and leadership were instrumental in galvanizing a nation that had long suffered oppression. To forget this legacy is to betray the very spirit of our independence.

However, in today’s political climate, we observe disturbing trends that seem to undermine this historical legacy. Criticism of current leaders, including Sheikh Mujib’s daughter, Sheikh Hasina, often veers into territory that reverberates with disrespect toward the father of the nation himself. While it is valid to critique a leader’s performance, conflating this with a rejection of Bangabandhu’s contributions is a perilous path. The narrative that portrays Bangabandhu as disconnected from the present struggles of the nation diminishes the sacrifices made during the liberation war.

It is essential to understand that a nation’s strength lies in its ability to honor its past while striving for a better future. Disrespecting a foundational figure such as Bangabandhu, who dedicated his life to the cause of Bangladesh, is a step backward. We must not allow current political dissatisfaction to cloud our judgment about his unyielding commitment to our rights and dignity.

Moreover, the resurgence of extremist sentiments among certain groups, such as Jamaat-e-Islami, poses an additional threat to our national unity. Their actions against monuments and symbols of our heritage—like the vandalization of Bangabandhu’s statues—demonstrate a troubling desire to erase the narratives that contradict their ideologies. Such acts are not merely assaults on art or memorials; they are direct attacks on the very fabric of our identity as a liberated country.

In the context of all these challenges, it becomes imperative to ensure the memory of our leaders and the events that shaped our nation do not fade. Countries around the world cherish the memories of their liberation movements and the leaders who guided them. They understand that the essence of freedom is rooted in the acknowledgment of past sacrifices.

As we reflect on our history, we must strive to educate future generations about the importance of these moments—of the language movement, the sacrifices of 1971, and the pivotal role of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. This education should transcend political affiliations and focus on the collective identity of Bangladesh. To label any critique of current politics as a betrayal of Bangabandhu’s legacy is not just a political stance; it is a moral obligation.

we celebrate our independence and the contributions of our leaders, we must do so with respect and understanding. Criticism should be constructive, aimed at building a nation that honors its past while addressing contemporary challenges. We cannot allow the complexities of modern politics to overshadow the legacies of those who fought valiantly for our freedom. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman remains a symbol of that struggle, and our remembrance of his contributions should stand firm against the tide of forgetfulness and disrespect.