Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (17 March 1920 – 15 August 1975) was a Bangladeshi statesman, political leader, and the founding father of Bangladesh. He served as the first Prime Minister of independent Bangladesh (1972–1975) and later as President in 1975. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is widely recognized for his leadership in the Bangladesh Liberation War and for leading the country to independence from Pakistan.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Birth: 17 March 1920, in Tungipara, Gopalganj District, Bengal Presidency, British India (now Bangladesh)
Education: Studied in local schools; later graduated from the University of Dhaka with a degree in law
Early Political Involvement: Participated in student politics and joined the All India Muslim Students Federation; later became active in movements advocating for the rights of Bengalis in East Pakistan.

Political Career[edit | edit source]

Awami Muslim League and Early Politics[edit | edit source]

Joined the Awami Muslim League in the 1940s.
Advocated for Bengali cultural and linguistic rights, including the Bengali Language Movement (1948–1952).
Became a key leader representing East Pakistan’s interests against West Pakistani domination.

1970 General Election[edit | edit source]

Led the Awami League to a landslide victory in the 1970 Pakistan general election, securing 167 out of 169 East Pakistani seats in the National Assembly.
The refusal of the West Pakistani government to transfer power to him led to escalating tensions and eventual military crackdown.

Bangladesh Liberation War (1971)[edit | edit source]

Following Operation Searchlight on 25 March 1971 by the Pakistan Army, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was arrested and taken to West Pakistan.
Despite his imprisonment, he remained the symbolic leader of the Bangladesh independence movement.
Bangladesh declared independence on 26 March 1971; the provisional government in Mujibnagar recognized him as its leader.

Prime Minister of Bangladesh (1972–1975)[edit | edit source]

Released from prison in January 1972, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman returned to Dhaka to assume office as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
Key actions during his premiership:
- Rebuilding the war-torn nation after 1971
- Instituting land reforms and nationalization of key industries
- Promoting Bengali culture and education
- Drafting the 1972 Constitution of Bangladesh, which established a parliamentary democracy and enshrined nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism

Political Challenges[edit | edit source]

Faced economic difficulties, famine, political unrest, and strikes.
In 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman introduced a one-party system under the Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BAKSAL) in an effort to centralize governance and address national crises.

Assassination[edit | edit source]

On 15 August 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated along with most of his family members in a military coup.
His death marked a turning point in Bangladesh’s political history and led to years of political instability.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Known as the “Father of the Nation” (Bangabandhu) in Bangladesh.
His leadership is commemorated annually on Martyred Intellectuals Day (14 December) and National Mourning Day (15 August).
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s role in establishing Bangladesh and shaping its constitution continues to influence national politics.
His daughter, Sheikh Hasina, later became the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and current leader of the Awami League.