By erasing its own heritage, Bangladesh is undermining its very foundation, which was built on the relentless efforts of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Bangladesh is on a path to erode its own legacy. After the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, there has been no letup in efforts to discard the country's own history, dismantle institutions, and erode the ethos upon which it was built. The sad part is that, in doing so, the country is dismantling itself. And all this is happening under the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus, a figure revered for his integrity and work in socio-economic change. On February 5, 2025, a distressing event unfolded in Dhaka, as protesters attacked and demolished the historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation's founding leader. This residence, located at Dhanmondi 32, had been converted into the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, serving as a poignant reminder of Bangladesh's struggle for independence. The protesters, reportedly aligned with the ‘Students Against Discrimination’ movement, gathered in response to social media calls for a ‘Bulldozer Procession’ aimed at demolishing the site, which they labeled a ‘pilgrimage site of fascism.’ Despite the presence of security forces, there was little to no intervention during the demolition. This incident has raised pressing questions about Bangladesh's approach to its own heritage. The deliberate destruction of a site so integral to the nation's history suggests a complex interplay of political motivations and societal tensions.
The interim government, under Muhammad Yunus, has been actively revising the country's historical narrative, seeking to de-emphasise the central role of Mujibur Rahman in the 1971 liberation movement. This includes altering school textbooks to present a different account, introducing competing historical perspectives, and addressing controversies from Mujib’s era. Yunus, a Nobel Peace laureate renowned for his contributions to social and economic development, now finds himself at the helm of a nation grappling with its identity. His leadership, following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina amid mass protests, is marked by efforts to implement reforms and address human rights concerns. However, the recent demolition has led to criticism regarding the government’s stance on preserving national heritage. Yunus has attributed the country's challenges to the previous regime, stating that ‘Hasina destroyed everything’ and emphasising the need for constitutional and judicial reforms before conducting general elections. The destruction of Mujibur Rahman's residence has elicited strong reactions both domestically and internationally. India condemned the act terming it ‘regrettable’ that the historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a symbol of the heroic resistance of the people of Bangladesh against the forces of occupation and oppression, was destroyed. As the nation navigates this tumultuous period, the challenge lies in balancing the pursuit of a revised national narrative with the preservation of its rich historical heritage. One expects a prudent approach from the interim government under Muhammad Yunus; otherwise, he will be remembered as a man who unraveled his own country.
