Nahid Islam, the Convener of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), stated that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman should not be called the “Father of the Nation.” While acknowledging his role and sacrifices during the independence struggle, Nahid criticized his rule as authoritarian and divisive. He also described “Mujibism” as a fascist ideology that harmed democracy, human rights, and national sovereignty.
Statement on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
NCP Convener Nahid Islam made a controversial remark on Friday, stating that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is not the Father of the Nation.
“শেখ মুজিবুর রহমান আমাদের জাতির জনক নন। আমরা স্বাধীনতা অর্জনে তার ভূমিকা এবং ত্যাগ স্বীকার করি। কিন্তু তার শাসনামলের জাতীয় ট্রাজেডিকেও স্মরণ করি।”
Translation: “Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is not the Father of our Nation. We acknowledge his role and sacrifice in achieving independence, but we also remember the national tragedy of his rule.”
The statement was posted on Nahid’s verified Facebook account in the afternoon.
Read More: New Agreement Aims to Improve Recruitment Process for Bangladeshi Workers in Malaysia
Criticism of Mujib’s Leadership and Policies
Nahid Islam alleged that under Sheikh Mujib’s leadership, Bangladesh became like a sub-state of India. He mentioned that in 1972, a “people-oppressive constitution” was introduced, laying the foundation for looting, political killings, and the one-party authoritarian system known as BAKSAL.
He claimed that the Awami League forced the nation into a political idol-worship culture — Mujib worship and Liberation War worship — which, according to him, divided citizens into first-class and second-class categories.
“আওয়ামী লীগের ফ্যাসিস্ট রাজনীতির অন্তরালে মুজিব পূজা ও মুক্তিযুদ্ধ পূজা, একটি রাজনৈতিক মূর্তির পূজা জনগণের ওপর চাপিয়ে দেওয়া হয়।”
Translation: “Behind the fascist politics of the Awami League, Mujib worship and Liberation War worship — the worship of a political idol — were imposed on the people.”
Allegations Against Awami League Rule
Nahid Islam argued that the Awami League treated Bangladesh as its personal property, justifying corruption and repression in the name of Mujib. He stated that the July People’s Uprising of 2024 destroyed this so-called “feudalism.”
“কোনো ব্যক্তি, পরিবার, মতাদর্শকে আর কখনো নাগরিকদের অধিকার কেড়ে নিতে বা বাংলাদেশের ওপর ফ্যাসিবাদ আরোপ করতে দেওয়া হবে না।”
Translation: “No person, family, or ideology will ever again be allowed to take away citizens’ rights or impose fascism on Bangladesh.”
Rejection of the “Father of the Nation” Title
Nahid Islam claimed that the title “Father of the Nation” is not a part of history but rather a political tool used to shrink the state and establish fascist rule. He said Bangladesh belongs to all its citizens equally, and no single person can claim ownership of it.
Definition of “Mujibism” as a Threat
According to Nahid Islam, Mujibism is a fascist ideology linked to forced disappearances, killings, rape, human rights violations, corruption, and the looting of national wealth.
“মুজিববাদ মানে- ইসলামোফোবিয়া, সাম্প্রদায়িকতা এবং সংখ্যালঘুদের ভূমি দখল। এর মানে- বিদেশি শক্তির কাছে জাতীয় সার্বভৌমত্ব বিক্রি করা।”
Translation: “Mujibism means Islamophobia, communalism, and land grabbing from minorities. It means selling national sovereignty to foreign powers.”
He further alleged that Mujibism spread under the cover of Mujib’s image for sixteen years, during which disappearances, killings, loot, and mass killings occurred.
Call for Resistance Against Mujibism
Nahid Islam declared that Mujibism is a serious danger that must be defeated through political, ideological, and cultural resistance. He emphasized building a sovereign and democratic Bangladesh where no party, dynasty, or leader stands above the people.
“বাংলাদেশ কারো সম্পত্তি নয়, এটা গণপ্রজাতন্ত্র।”
Translation: “Bangladesh is not anyone’s property; it is a people’s republic.”
Source: Samakal
