Mahfuj Alam, an advisor to Bangladesh's interim government, has stirred significant discussion with his call for members of the Awami League and the family of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation’s founding leader, to apologize for the controversial actions taken during his leadership after the country's liberation. He asserted this opinion through his social media platform, framing it as key for restoring Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's honor before and after the 1971 Liberation War.
Alam’s comments come against the backdrop of increasing scrutiny over the removal of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's portrait from the Bangabhaban's Darbar Hall. His remarks were detailed within a critique titled ‘The Fallen Sheikhs!’ where he expressed dissatisfaction not only with the past actions of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman but also with contemporary leadership under his daughter, Sheikh Hasina.
"Sheikh Mujib and his daughter have both faced the ire of the people for their respective fascist regimes," he stated. Drawing comparisons between Sheikh Mujibur and Sheikh Hasina's leadership, he contended, "The only difference is, unlike Hasina, Sheikh Mujib was once regarded as the voice of the masses. He led them against Pakistani oppression, but following liberation, he too morphed himself, becoming tyrannical, which led to even greater societal fracturing." According to Alam, this transformation was particularly evident during and after his tenure, paving the way for poor governance, rampant corruption, and human rights violations.
Alam pointed out several troubling outcomes directly related to the post-liberation governance. He highlighted issues such as widespread corruption, famine, enforced disappearances, and the controversial 1972 constitution, which he believes paved the way for the authoritarian BAKSAL regime. He indicated these drastic circumstances necessitated not only acknowledgment from the Awami League but formal apologies and justice for the victims.
While articulately decrying the leadership of both governmental figures, Alam’s critiques undertook the form of urgency, demanding accountability from the current regime. He insisted, “Without addressing the horrendous acts linked to Mujib’s post-‘71 policies, recognition of his contributions will remain hollow.” He emphasized his stance by questioning the motives behind retaining Mujib’s portrait and the wider symbolism it represented now.
Alam urged the Awami League to move away from the so-called politics of Mujibism and the idolization of his family, stating emphatically, “They should also abandon the politics of Mujibism and idolization of the Sheikh family.” His disappointment is echoed among critics who argue the cult of personality surrounding the Sheikh family distorts the true essence of Bangladesh's fight for independence.
This conversation arises at a transitional period for Bangladesh, following uprisings and protests against Sheikh Hasina’s administration earlier this year, stirring public resentment and calls for reform. He remarked, “If they lament the removal of Sheikh's photos from public offices, then they are fundamentally dismissing the spirit of the July uprising—a movement against authoritarianism.” His comments have sparked debates on the legitimacy, integrity, and ethical practices of leaders past and present.
Alam firmly proposes, “The history cannot be erased, and we are here to reconcile historical anomalies.” Confidently, he proclaimed the liberation struggle belongs to the collective memory of the people, and those who participated inequitably should face consequences.
Alam's statements are mounting pressures for Hasina and the Awami League to engage with their controversial history. His final words encapsulate his sentiment: “Bangladesh must rise above idolization and confront the feuds rooted deep among ruling families. The spirit of the July, and the glorious movements of ‘47 and ‘71, should remain alive.” His commentary not only critiques but aims to incite action for change, urging comprehensive accountability across the nation's political fabric.
