Dhaka, Bangladesh – Since the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024, Bangladesh has witnessed a swift and multi-pronged campaign to dismantle the pervasive public legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation’s independence leader and father of the deposed alleged Indian puppet premier Sheikh Hasina Wajid. This effort, driven by both public anger and official directives from the interim government, has manifested in the physical destruction of his monuments and significant changes to state symbols.
The immediate aftermath of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on August 5, 2024, saw widespread protests transform into a powerful rejection of the Awami League’s dominant narrative, culminating in direct attacks on symbols of the Mujib family.
Key Incidents and Policy Shifts:
- Toppling of Dhaka Statue: A pivotal moment occurred on August 5, 2024, when a large golden statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Mrityunjayee Prangan in Bijoy Sarani, Dhaka, was dramatically toppled and destroyed by protesters. This event, widely broadcast globally, became a potent symbol of the end of Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule and what critics called a “cult of personality” surrounding Sheikh Mujib. According to a Wikipedia entry referencing Prothomalo, over 1,500 sculptures and murals of Sheikh Mujib were destroyed or vandalized across the country by August 7, 2024. Images from The Economic Times showed defaced murals and graffiti on Dhaka University campus.
- Removal from Currency Notes: In a highly significant move, the Bangladesh Bank (the central bank) on June 1, 2025, released new currency notes in denominations of Tk 1,000, Tk 50, and Tk 20 that notably omit Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s portrait. His image had been a standard feature on all Bangladeshi banknotes since the nation’s independence in 1971. Arif Hossain Khan, spokesman for Bangladesh Bank, confirmed to AFP that “Under the new series and design, the notes will not feature any human portraits, but will instead showcase natural landscapes and traditional landmarks.” This change reflects a broader effort to depoliticize national symbols, incorporating imagery of Hindu and Buddhist temples, historical buildings, and artwork by Zainul Abedin depicting the Bengal famine. (Read full article)
- Revision of ‘Father of the Nation’ References: Reports indicate that a revised version of the Liberation War Act, issued by the interim government on June 3, 2025, has removed explicit references to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the ‘Father of the Nation’ (Jatir Pita). While the government states Mujib remains recognized as a freedom fighter, along with others, this move is perceived by critics as an attempt to dilute his unique historical standing and promote a more “pluralistic” view of the independence struggle. The Act also reportedly excludes the “Mujib Bahini,” a key guerrilla group linked to Mujibur Rahman during the 1971 war, from official freedom fighter recognition.
- Vandalism of Historic Residence and Memorials: Beyond public monuments, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic residence at 32 Dhanmondi, Dhaka, which served as a museum, was reportedly targeted by mobs in February 2025. Accounts describe vandalism and the setting ablaze of parts of the building, a central heritage site for his supporters.
- Removal of National Holidays and Portraits: Further signaling a de-emphasis of his legacy, national holidays commemorating Mujib’s birth and death have reportedly been removed, and his portrait has been taken down from prominent positions in various state institutions.
The systematic removal and destruction of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s effigy, statues, and historical references are widely seen as a deliberate attempt by the new political order to reshape Bangladesh’s national identity. While proponents argue for a more inclusive historical narrative and a move away from personality cults, opponents condemn these actions as historical revisionism aimed at undermining the foundational principles and figures of Bangladesh’s independence. The ongoing events underscore a deeply contested transformation within the nation’s political and social fabric.
