Bangladesh Drops ‘Father of the Nation’ Title for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

In a move that has sparked national and international attention, Bangladesh’s interim government led by Prof. Mohammed Yunus has officially dropped the title of ‘Father of the Nation’ for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in a revised version of the Liberation War Act, issued on June 3, 2025. This revision, coupled with the earlier release of new currency notes excluding Mujib’s image, marks a historic shift in the country’s political and symbolic landscape. The changes reflect the interim government’s efforts to reframe the narrative around the 1971 Liberation War, stirring debate over identity, legacy, and national recognition.

Why in News?

On June 3, 2025, the interim government of Bangladesh, led by Prof. Mohammed Yunus, issued a revised version of the Liberation War Act, omitting Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s title as the ‘Father of the Nation’. This development follows the earlier release of new currency notes that no longer feature his image. These steps mark a significant shift in how Bangladesh’s official narrative now views its founding leader and the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War.

Key Developments

• A new notification dated June 3, 2025, removed references to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as Jatir Pita (Father of the Nation) in relation to the 1971 war of independence.
• New currency notes released recently by the interim government also exclude Mujib’s image, which had been featured in earlier series.
• The Liberation War Act 2022 earlier highlighted Sheikh Mujib’s leadership and the Mujib Bahini, but the 2025 version does not mention either.

New Definition of Freedom Fighters:

• The Mujib Bahini, a key guerrilla group during 1971 and associated with Mujib, is now excluded from recognition.
• This change disqualifies surviving members and their families from state benefits previously available to recognized freedom fighters.
• A new category, “Associates of Liberation War”, includes those who supported independence through advocacy or campaigning, both inside and outside Bangladesh during March 26–December 16, 1971.

Statements from the Interim Govt

• The government stated that Sheikh Mujib, along with leaders like Tajuddin Ahmed, Mansur Ali, and AHM Quamruzzaman, continues to be acknowledged as a freedom fighter, but not exclusively elevated above others.
• The intent, according to officials, is to promote a more pluralistic and inclusive narrative of Bangladesh’s independence.

Political Context

• The changes come in the wake of Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August 2024, ending a 15-year rule by the Awami League, the party co-founded by Sheikh Mujib.
• The Yunus-led interim government has cracked down on symbols and activities associated with the Awami League, including suspending the party’s operations.
• Earlier in February 2025, mobs vandalized Sheikh Mujib’s residence at 32 Dhanmondi and destroyed the museum established in his memory.