Ziaur Rahman’s Role in Bangladesh Independence Textbooks

The educational landscape in Bangladesh is witnessing shift. The National Curriculum and Textbook Board has announced that new textbooks for the 2025 academic year will credit Ziaur Rahman with declaring the country’s independence in 1971. This change has sparked controversy, as it omits the title of ‘Father of the Nation’ from Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who is traditionally recognised as the main leader of the liberation movement. The political implications of this change are deep, reflecting ongoing tensions between different political factions in the country.

Historical Context

The independence of Bangladesh in 1971 is a very important moment in the nation’s history. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, leader of the Awami League, is widely regarded as the principal figure in the liberation struggle. He proclaimed independence on March 26, 1971, just before his arrest by Pakistani forces. Ziaur Rahman, a military officer at the time, made a subsequent declaration on March 27, claiming to act on Mujib’s behalf. The narratives surrounding these events have been politically contested ever since.

Textbook Changes and Political Implications

The decision to revise textbooks to favour Ziaur Rahman over Mujib is not unprecedented. Official histories in Bangladesh have been rewritten multiple times, often aligning with the ruling party’s ideology. This latest revision is seen as an attempt by the interim government, which includes BNP influence, to reshape historical narratives and validate Ziaur’s legacy. Such changes have led to public protests, including acts of vandalism against Mujib’s memorials.

Contested Legacies

The legacies of Mujib and Ziaur are deeply intertwined with Bangladesh’s political landscape. Mujib’s tenure was marked by efforts to establish a secular state, while Ziaur’s presidency saw a shift towards accommodating Islamist political elements. This ideological divide continues to influence contemporary politics, with Sheikh Hasina, Mujib’s daughter, and Khaleda Zia, Ziaur’s widow, representing opposing visions for the country.

Factual Basis of Claims

The assertion that Ziaur Rahman was the primary proclaimer of independence lacks strong factual support. Various contemporary sources, including US intelligence reports, confirm Mujib’s declaration on March 26. Ziaur’s later proclamation is acknowledged but is often viewed as secondary. This discrepancy marks the complexities of historical interpretation in politically charged environments.

Current Political Climate

The political environment in Bangladesh remains volatile. The recent removal of Sheikh Hasina from power has led to increased tensions between rival factions. The BNP’s rise and the current government’s efforts to emphasise Ziaur’s contributions reflect deeper ideological battles over the nation’s identity. The ongoing contestation over historical narratives serves as a microcosm of these broader political struggles.

Future Implications

The changes in educational content are likely to have lasting impacts on national identity and political allegiance. As future generations learn from these revised textbooks, the interpretation of Bangladesh’s independence may evolve further. This could influence political dynamics and societal values, potentially leading to a more fragmented national identity.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the role of education in shaping national identity in post-colonial states.
2. Discuss in the light of Bangladesh’s independence, the significance of historical narratives in political discourse.
3. Analyse the impact of political leadership on the evolution of national policies in Bangladesh.
4. Taking the example of Bangladesh, critically discuss the relationship between military influence and democratic governance.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the role of education in shaping national identity in post-colonial states.

1. Education serves as a primary tool for imparting national values and history to citizens.
2. Curriculum changes can reflect political ideologies and reshape collective memory.
3. Textbooks can either unify or divide populations based on the narratives they promote.
4. In post-colonial contexts, education often grapples with colonial legacies and national aspirations.
5. Control over educational content can lead to power struggles among political factions.

2. Discuss in the light of Bangladesh’s independence, the significance of historical narratives in political discourse.

1. Historical narratives influence national identity and can be a source of legitimacy for political parties.
2. Contestation over who declared independence reflects deeper ideological divides in society.
3. Revisions of historical accounts can serve to marginalize certain figures and promote others.
4. The framing of history can affect public perception and political allegiance in contemporary politics.
5. Historical narratives are often manipulated to align with current political agendas.

3. Analyse the impact of political leadership on the evolution of national policies in Bangladesh.

1. Leadership styles influence the direction of national policies, including governance and economic strategies.
2. Mujib’s secular policies contrasted with Ziaur’s accommodation of Islamist elements, shaping societal norms.
3. Political leaders often reshape policies to reflect their ideologies and consolidate power.
4. Changes in leadership can lead to shifts in national priorities and public sentiment.
5. Leadership transitions often result in historical reinterpretations, affecting policy continuity.

4. Taking the example of Bangladesh, critically discuss the relationship between military influence and democratic governance.

1. Military influence can destabilize democratic institutions, leading to coups and authoritarianism.
2. Political leaders with military backgrounds may prioritize power over democratic norms.
3. The military’s role in politics often complicates civil-military relations and governance structures.
4. In Bangladesh, military leaders have shaped political landscapes, impacting policy and public life.
5. Democratic governance is often challenged by military interventions, affecting citizen rights and freedoms.