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In a significant revision of its national curriculum, Bangladesh has introduced new textbooks for primary and secondary students that attribute the declaration of independence in 1971 to former army major and president Ziaur Rahman, instead of the country’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The change, which removes the title “Father of the Nation” from Rahman, marks a controversial shift in how the nation’s history is being taught to its younger generation.
The revised textbooks, distributed to students starting January 1, 2025, now state that Ziaur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh on March 26, 1971, and later made another declaration of independence on behalf of Bangabandhu (Sheikh Mujibur Rahman) on March 27, 1971. Previously, textbooks had consistently recognized Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the one who declared independence, particularly in the wireless message sent just before his arrest.
The Disputed History of Bangladesh’s Independence
The revision of this critical historical event has sparked controversy, especially since the declaration of independence has been a matter of debate for years. The official narrative, promoted by successive Awami League governments, has long held that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of Bangladesh and its first president, declared independence on March 25, 1971, when the Pakistani military launched a crackdown on Dhaka, triggering the Liberation War. Ziaur Rahman, then an army officer, was believed to have read out the declaration of independence sent by Sheikh Mujib over a wireless message after his arrest, solidifying Mujib’s role in the nation’s birth.
However, the newly revised textbooks place a different emphasis. National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) Chairman Professor AKM Reazul Hassan explained that the 2025 academic textbooks will state, “On March 26, 1971, Ziaur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh, and on March 27, he made another declaration of independence on behalf of Bangabandhu.”
This change is a reflection of the political climate and shifts in government influence over historical narratives. It appears to align with the narrative promoted by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies, who have often praised Ziaur Rahman for his role in the country’s independence.
The Role of Ziaur Rahman and the Political Influence on History
The decision to revise the textbooks follows years of controversy surrounding the issue of who first declared Bangladesh’s independence. According to the new textbooks, Ziaur Rahman is credited with declaring independence. However, it is important to note that the declaration of independence has been a point of contention depending on the political context of the ruling government.
Since Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, became prime minister for the second time in 2009, textbooks had repeatedly credited her father with making the declaration. These books have included the story of Ziaur Rahman reading out the declaration, but with a focus on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the original author of the message. The new revision significantly changes this historical narrative.
Writer and researcher Rakhal Raha, who was involved in the revision process, defended the change. He argued that the textbooks had been overly influenced by an “exaggerated, imposed history” and that there was a lack of factual basis for the claim that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman sent the wireless message. Raha and his colleagues sought to present a more “objective” account of the events.
Political Backlash and National Debate
The revision has sparked immediate political backlash. Supporters of the Awami League, which has been in power for over a decade, strongly believe that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared independence. They argue that Ziaur Rahman’s role was secondary, merely reading out the message on Mujib’s behalf after his arrest. To them, the removal of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s title as “Father of the Nation” is a direct challenge to the legacy of the country’s independence and its foundational leadership.
On the other hand, Ziaur Rahman’s supporters view the revision as a long-overdue recognition of his pivotal role in Bangladesh’s liberation. Zia, who became the president after the war, remains a controversial figure in Bangladeshi politics, particularly among the ruling Awami League, which has often critiqued his military government. However, for many of his followers, the redefinition of history in the textbooks is seen as a restoration of his rightful place in the country’s creation.
A Reflection of Changing Political Winds
The alteration of Bangladesh’s textbooks reflects a broader trend of political influence on the country’s historical narrative. Changes in the curriculum are often influenced by the party in power, leading to conflicting portrayals of critical events such as the 1971 Liberation War and the independence declaration. For decades, the ruling party has had the power to shape how history is taught in schools, and the changes in these textbooks are the latest chapter in this ongoing struggle.
The debate over the true author of Bangladesh’s declaration of independence is unlikely to end with the publication of the new textbooks. While the textbooks are an important tool for shaping the views of young people, the controversy surrounding the role of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Ziaur Rahman in the nation’s founding is a topic that will continue to stir emotions across the country.
