Over the past 15 years, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has unfortunately been associated with only the Awami League, and not presented as what he truly is -- inarguably the most important figure in Bangladesh’s history as a nation.
Indeed, by putting Bangabandhu on a pedestal and making him the unofficial symbol of the Awami League by putting his name and image on every poster, billboard, placard, or indeed megaprojects, the party, far from honouring his legacy, only did him a disservice.
It is no wonder that as the Awami League’s own reputation tarnished, so did the legacy of Bangabandhu. However, in the wake of the events of August 5 which saw the Sheikh Hasina government fall after a student-led revolution, it is vital to not diminish Bangabandhu’s legacy because of the atrocities displayed by his daughter and her government.
The tarnishing of Bangabandhu’s legacy is also why we saw the shocking events unfold at Dhanmondi Road 32 after Sheikh Hasina fled the nation; while the anger and anguish of the masses was understandable, the destruction of such a monument to our national history that was Bangabandhu’s residence is nonetheless a tragedy in itself.
What must be remembered is that only the Awami League is responsible for such public anger and resentment towards Bangabandhu because of how they used his name and image to further their political agenda.
What transpired on August 15, 1975, when Bangabandhu was assassinated, along with most of his family, at his residence in Dhanmondi remains a tragic loss of life and a tragedy for our nation.
As such, we mourn and honour Bangabandhu and his contributions to our country on this day. His place in Bangladesh’s history is unquestionable.
