Latest news with #MujiburRahman
India Gazette
3 hours ago
- General
- India Gazette
Sheikh Mujib's freedom fighter status has not been revoked, says Yunus's deputy press secretary
Dhaka [Bangladesh], June 4 (ANI): Bangladesh's interim government on Wednesday clarified that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's freedom fighter status has not been revoked. The government issued an ordinance amending the National Freedom Fighters Council, Jamuka Act on Tuesday night, defining a new definition of a heroic freedom fighter. 'Sheikh Mujib's freedom fighter status has not been revoked despite the amendment of the Jamuka Act,' Azad Majumder, deputy press secretary to the Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, told ANI. Bangladeshi media reported that Mujibnagar government leaders, including Sheikh Mujib, had their freedom fighter status revoked, but the government clarified that Mujibnagar government leaders, including Mujib, will remain freedom fighters. Adviser to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, Faruk-e-Azam, said that those who were in the Mujibnagar government were also freedom fighters. Those who fought the liberation war with arms and those who led it were freedom fighters. However, the officials and employees of that government were associates of the liberation war. He said that according to the Jamuka Ordinance, diplomats including the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra are associate freedom fighters. Associate does not mean that their honour has been tarnished. There are four categories of freedom fighters: first, those Bangladeshi professionals who made special contributions to the liberation war abroad and played an active role in shaping world public opinion. Secondly, those who served as officials, employees, envoys, and other assistants under the Bangladesh Government (Mujibnagar) formed during the Liberation War. Thirdly, all the artists and technicians of the Swadhin Bangla Radio Station and all the Bangladeshi journalists who served in support of the Liberation War at home and abroad. Fourthly, the Swadhin Bangla Football Team. Bangladesh gained independence through a nine-month bloody war in 1971 against Pakistan under the leadership of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. India helped Bangladesh achieve independence. (ANI)
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Business Standard
4 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Bangladesh drops Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's 'Father of the Nation' title
Muhammad Yunus-led Bangladesh's interim government on Tuesday amended legislation to eliminate the "Father of the Nation" title for Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, according to reports by the Press Trust of India, citing local media. The move comes days after the removal of Rahman's image from banknotes, replacing it with natural landscapes and traditional landmarks. Rahman was the country's first prime minister and a central figure in its independence movement. Key changes to National Freedom Fighters Council Act The ordinance amending the National Freedom Fighters Council Act was issued by Bangladesh's Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs late Tuesday, according to Dhaka Tribune. The amended act introduces several changes to the legal framework around Bangladesh's Liberation War. The major amendments include: Redefinition of freedom fighters to include: Series of removals signal broader shift The deletion of Rahman's portrait from banknotes and his name from legislation is part of a broader effort by the interim administration to revise national symbols and narratives associated with the ousted Awami League government. Earlier this year, newly introduced textbooks attributed the 1971 declaration of independence to Ziaur Rahman, an army major at the time, replacing earlier references to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Ziaur Rahman later became a sector commander during the Liberation War and subsequently Bangladesh's president. In another move, the government cancelled the national holiday on 15 August, which had previously marked the assassination of Mujibur Rahman. Rahman's daughter and former prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh in August 2024 following mass student-led protests that ended her 16-year rule.
India Today
5 hours ago
- General
- India Today
Bangladesh advisers junk claims Mujibur Rahman's freedom fighter status cancelled
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the founding President of Bangladesh, and the father of ex-PM Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh advisers call media reports baseless, false, misleading Says Mujibur Rahman, 4 others to retain their freedom fighter status Explains 'Liberation War' associates category in new ordinance The Muhammad Yunus-led Bangladesh government has dismissed several media reports claiming that the freedom fighter status of the country's founding President, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who is also Sheikh Hasina's father, has been revoked. In a statement issued on Facebook by the Chief Adviser Press Wing, it called the reports "completely baseless, false and confusing". "The news published on several the cancellation of freedom fighters of more than hundreds of leaders, including Mansoor Ali and AHM Kamruzzaman is completely baseless, false and confusing," the statement, roughly translated from Bengali, read. The clarification by Chief Adviser's Press Wing on Facebook. Quoting Bangladesh's Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam, the statement further said that everyone who was part of the Mujibnagar government were freedom fighters. However, those who were employees of the government are allied freedom fighters, even as he clarified that "allies don't mean their respect has been cut off". "The definition of freedom fighters was implemented in 1972. It was changed in 2018 and 2022. Respect, dignity and facilities of both the freedom fighters and the partners of the freedom war will remain the same," the Facebook post read. The clarification came amid confusion over an ordinance that redefined the freedom fighter term and introduced a special category for 'Liberation War' associates. The media reports also claimed that the recognition had been revoked for more than 400 elected politicians from the 1970 polls, who played a significant role in Bangladesh's independence movement, the Dhaka Tribune reported. Azam explained that while officials and employees who worked under the Mujibnagar government would now be dubbed as "associates of Liberation War", it did not apply to its core political leadership, whose status remained unchanged, the Dhaka Tribune reported. The adviser highlighted during a special briefing that Mujibur Rahman and four national leaders - Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad, M Mansur Ali, and AHM Qamaruzzaman - will retain their freedom fighter status for their role in the 1971 Liberation War. Often known as the provisional government of Bangladesh or government-in-exile, the Mujibnagar government was founded by Mujibur Rahman and operated from Kolkata, India. Syed Nazrul Islam was the acting President at the time of its inception, and Tajuddin Ahmad was the Prime Minister. It was established after Bangladesh - known as East Pakistan at the time - proclaimed independence from Pakistan in 1971. Meanwhile, another Bangladesh interim government adviser also took to Facebook to clarify that the media reports of revocation are false. Sharing a screenshot of an official document dated June 3, 2025, Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said that the media reports are "fake". The clarification by Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki on Facebook. "Dear brothers and sisters, the news about the cancellation of freedom fighter certificates for Liberation War leaders like Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Tajuddin Ahmad is fake," he wrote. The development comes as the situation in Bangladesh remains volatile following the protests and the fleeing of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Yunus government has been cracking down on the 77-year-old former premier. On Sunday (June 1), Bangladesh prosecutors charged Hasina with crimes against humanity for her alleged role in the violent crackdowns during the 2024 student-led uprising, which eventually led to her resignation and escape to India. The Muhammad Yunus-led Bangladesh government has dismissed several media reports claiming that the freedom fighter status of the country's founding President, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who is also Sheikh Hasina's father, has been revoked. In a statement issued on Facebook by the Chief Adviser Press Wing, it called the reports "completely baseless, false and confusing". "The news published on several the cancellation of freedom fighters of more than hundreds of leaders, including Mansoor Ali and AHM Kamruzzaman is completely baseless, false and confusing," the statement, roughly translated from Bengali, read. The clarification by Chief Adviser's Press Wing on Facebook. Quoting Bangladesh's Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam, the statement further said that everyone who was part of the Mujibnagar government were freedom fighters. However, those who were employees of the government are allied freedom fighters, even as he clarified that "allies don't mean their respect has been cut off". "The definition of freedom fighters was implemented in 1972. It was changed in 2018 and 2022. Respect, dignity and facilities of both the freedom fighters and the partners of the freedom war will remain the same," the Facebook post read. The clarification came amid confusion over an ordinance that redefined the freedom fighter term and introduced a special category for 'Liberation War' associates. The media reports also claimed that the recognition had been revoked for more than 400 elected politicians from the 1970 polls, who played a significant role in Bangladesh's independence movement, the Dhaka Tribune reported. Azam explained that while officials and employees who worked under the Mujibnagar government would now be dubbed as "associates of Liberation War", it did not apply to its core political leadership, whose status remained unchanged, the Dhaka Tribune reported. The adviser highlighted during a special briefing that Mujibur Rahman and four national leaders - Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad, M Mansur Ali, and AHM Qamaruzzaman - will retain their freedom fighter status for their role in the 1971 Liberation War. Often known as the provisional government of Bangladesh or government-in-exile, the Mujibnagar government was founded by Mujibur Rahman and operated from Kolkata, India. Syed Nazrul Islam was the acting President at the time of its inception, and Tajuddin Ahmad was the Prime Minister. It was established after Bangladesh - known as East Pakistan at the time - proclaimed independence from Pakistan in 1971. Meanwhile, another Bangladesh interim government adviser also took to Facebook to clarify that the media reports of revocation are false. Sharing a screenshot of an official document dated June 3, 2025, Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said that the media reports are "fake". The clarification by Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki on Facebook. "Dear brothers and sisters, the news about the cancellation of freedom fighter certificates for Liberation War leaders like Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Tajuddin Ahmad is fake," he wrote. The development comes as the situation in Bangladesh remains volatile following the protests and the fleeing of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Yunus government has been cracking down on the 77-year-old former premier. On Sunday (June 1), Bangladesh prosecutors charged Hasina with crimes against humanity for her alleged role in the violent crackdowns during the 2024 student-led uprising, which eventually led to her resignation and escape to India. Join our WhatsApp Channel
NDTV
6 hours ago
- Business
- NDTV
Bangladesh Now Drops Bangabandhu From Key Law, Redefines 'Freedom Fighters'
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. The interim government in Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, has removed "Father of the Nation" from the JAMUKA Act, erasing Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's legacy. Critics argue this overreach distracts from its electoral mandate amid ongoing political turmoil. The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh has also dropped the words 'Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman' from a key statute, the Jatiya Muktijoddha Council (JAMUKA) Act, that deals with freedom fighters in the country. After removing the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from currency notes, the interim government in Bangladesh has made yet another move to erase the legacy of the 1971 liberation struggle which was led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The Interim Government is continuing its efforts to erase the legacy of the liberation struggle, particularly the role of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has brought in amendments to the JAMUKA Act by changing the definition of 'freedom fighter' under the law. The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs issued the ordinance in this regard on Tuesday night, Bangladesh daily, Prothom Alo reported. Critics of the Yunus Government agree that the interim government has gone beyond its mandate and embroiled itself in matters that should be handled by an elected government with a political mandate instead of confining itself to electoral reforms and holding elections to install an elected government. The uprising that took place last year in Bangladesh, initially started off as an anti-quota agitation, after the High Court reinstated the job quotas with reservation of one-third of civil service posts for children of fighters who participated in the country's liberation movement in 1971. Later it became a full-fledged movement to remove the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power which eventually happened on August 5, 2024, when she had to leave Dhaka as a violent mob entered the official residence Gana Bhavan with an intention to kill her. From demanding the abolition of the 30 per cent quota for children of freedom fighters, the anti-quota protesters, backed by radical forces, turned on Sheikh Hasina leading to her leaving the country. The words 'Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman' have been dropped from the JAMUKA act, effectively eroding the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who led Bangladesh's liberation war and liberated the country from Pakistan which engaged in a genocide and torture of the local population demanding freedom. In a post on social media platform Muhammad Yunus said, 'The news published in several media outlets including Samakal, Jugantar, Ittefaq and Kalerkanth that the freedom fighter recognition of more than a hundred leaders, including President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Acting President Syed Nazrul Islam, Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmed and two ministers Md. Mansur Ali and AHM Kamruzzaman, of the Mujibnagar government has been revoked is completely baseless, false and misleading.' মুজিবনগর সরকারের রাষ্ট্রপতি শেখ মুজিবুর রহমান, অস্থায়ী রাষ্ট্রপতি সৈয়দ নজরুল ইসলাম, প্রধানমন্ত্রী তাজউদ্দীন আহমদ এবং দুই মন্ত্রী মো. মনসুর আলী ও এ এইচ এম কামরুজ্জামানসহ শতাধিক নেতার মুক্তিযোদ্ধা স্বীকৃতি বাতিল বলে সমকাল, যুগান্তর, ইত্তেফাক ও কালেরকন্ঠসহ কয়েকটি সংবাদমাধ্যমে যে… — Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) June 4, 2025 'Adviser to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, Faruk-e-Azam, said that those who were in the Mujibnagar government were also freedom fighters. Those who fought the liberation war with arms, those who led it, were freedom fighters. However, the officials and employees of that government were associate freedom fighters,' Yunus added. 'He said that according to the National Freedom Fighters Council (JAMUKA) Ordinance, diplomats including the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra are associate freedom fighters. Associate does not mean that their honour has been tarnished. He said that the definition of freedom fighter that existed in 1972 has been implemented. It was changed in 2018 and 2022. The honour, status, and privileges of both freedom fighters and collaborators of the liberation war will remain the same,' Yunus said, claiming the ordinance was addressing changes to the law in 2018 and 2022 under the Sheikh Hasina Government.
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First Post
6 hours ago
- Business
- First Post
Bangladesh's new banknotes will have Hindu temples but no Mujibur Rahman portrait. Here's why
Bangladesh's new currency series eliminates Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's portrait in favour of historic temples, mosques and landmarks. The interim government's sweeping redesign represents a shift in national narrative as Mujib's legacy is downplayed read more A vendor displays fresh notes for clients interested in exchanging them for dirty notes in Dhaka, Bangladesh on August 4, 2003. Representational Image/Reuters Bangladesh has unveiled an entirely reimagined series of banknotes that omit political figures and instead aimed at highlighting cultural, religious and historical heritage. The initiative — carried out under the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus — marks a striking departure from the currency designs of previous decades. Until recently, most denominations featured the portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, widely acknowledged as the architect of the country's liberation from Pakistan. His image was removed from the new series, and the banknotes now focus on national symbols, architectural landmarks and historical structures. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to central bank officials, the updated designs are intended to reflect national identity while incorporating enhanced security features to counteract forgery. 'Under the new series and design, the notes will not feature any human portraits, but will instead showcase natural landscapes and traditional landmarks,' Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan told AFP. What the new banknotes look like The newly issued notes span all denominations from Tk 1,000 to Tk 2 and feature different elements of Bangladesh's historical and architectural legacy. #Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur handed over images of six newly designed banknotes to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. The redesigned notes no longer feature the portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. However, the central bank clarified that all existing notes… — All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) June 3, 2025 Each denomination also incorporates watermarks of the Royal Bengal Tiger, the respective denomination numeral, and either the central bank's monogram or the government's emblem, depending on the note. Tk 1,000 note : This high-denomination purple note includes depictions of the National Martyrs' Memorial and the National Parliament House (Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban). Tk 500 note : Green in colour, this note features the Central Shaheed Minar and the Supreme Court, with the national flower, the Shapla, in the background. Tk 200 note : Yellow-toned, it displays the Aparajeyo Bangla sculpture of Dhaka University alongside student-created graffiti from the July 2024 demonstrations. Tk 100 note : Dominated by blue, the front side shows the Shait-Gumbuz Mosque in Bagerhat, while the reverse features scenes from the Sundarbans. Tk 50 note : This note includes Ahsan Manzil — an iconic palace in Dhaka — and a painting by celebrated artist Zainul Abedin that depicted the Bengal famine. Tk 20 note : Introduced on June 1, it displays the 18th-century Kantajew Temple in Dinajpur and the Paharpur Buddhist Vihara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Naogaon district. Tk 10 note : Pink-coloured, the note contains Baitul Mukarram Mosque and protest graffiti. Tk 5 note : Also pink, it portrays the Tara Mosque on the front and more graffiti on the reverse. Tk 2 note: Light green in appearance, this smallest denomination shows the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur on the front and the Rayer Bazar Memorial on the back. These notes are now being circulated gradually. While the Tk 1,000, Tk 50, and Tk 20 notes were the first to be released, others — including Tk 500, Tk 200, Tk 100, Tk 10, Tk 5, and Tk 2 — will follow over time. Bangladesh's central bank has assured that older notes and coins will remain legal tender during the transition. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why Bangladesh removed Mujib from currency notes The release of these new banknotes is taking place against the backdrop of major political upheaval. The previous Awami League government, led by Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Mujibur Rahman, was removed from power following widespread student-led demonstrations in 2024. Since then, the interim administration has been undertaking actions to distance state narratives from the legacy of the former ruling family. Among these changes was the decision to not issue any new banknotes during the Eid season last year — an unusual move that coincided with the government prohibiting the circulation of stored notes carrying Mujib's image. In the education sector, the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) has revised content across 441 school textbooks for the 2025 academic year. These changes have removed or rephrased references to Mujibur Rahman's leadership in the country's independence movement. Some of the new material now attributes the declaration of independence to General Ziaur Rahman — once a military leader and later president. The Daily Star reported that over 400 million revised textbooks have already been distributed to schools. The interim government has also amended the JAMUNA Act. The amendment strips Mujibur Rahman and more than 400 political leaders elected during the 1970 elections of their official status as 'freedom fighters.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Instead, the revised ordinance reclassifies them as 'associates of the Liberation War.' This redefinition applies to five groups, including members of the provisional Mujibnagar government. What we know of the temple on the bank notes One of the most prominent and widely discussed design choices is the inclusion of the Kantajew Temple on the Tk 20 note. This 18th-century Hindu temple is known for its intricate terracotta architecture and cultural significance. Kantanagar Temple, also known as Kantaji Temple or Kantajew Temple in Kantanagar, Dinajpur, Bangladesh, is an 18th-century Hindu temple. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu deities Kanta or Krishna and is particularly revered by followers of the Radha-Krishna cult, known for… — GemsOfINDOLOGY (@GemsOfINDOLOGY) March 25, 2024 In December 2015, the temple was the target of a bomb attack during Rash Mela festivities. The perpetrators — linked to the banned terrorist organisation New Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (New JMB), an affiliate of ISIS — were arrested, though the group did not officially claim responsibility. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD More recently, the temple site became the centre of controversy when reports surfaced in 2024 about a mosque being built within its premises. The incident provoked strong objections from the Hindu community, who viewed the construction as an encroachment on their sacred site. Despite these tensions, the temple remains one of Bangladesh's most visited religious monuments. The inclusion of religious and cultural structures on the banknotes spans across communities. For example, the Shait Gumbad Mosque appears on the Tk 100 note, Baitul Mukarram Mosque on the Tk 10 note, and Tara Mosque on the Tk 5 note. The Paharpur Monastery, featured on the back of the Tk 20 note, reflects Buddhist heritage and is considered one of the most significant ancient monasteries in South Asia, dating back to the 8th century and built under the Pala dynasty. What the response has been The interim government's currency overhaul has not gone without criticism. Political observers have accused the administration of attempting to systematically dilute Mujibur Rahman's contribution to the country's history. His leadership during the nine-month Liberation War in 1971, during which India played a crucial role, has long been a cornerstone of the national narrative. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Still, Bangladesh Bank insists that the new series is meant to display national unity, diversity, and cultural pride while bolstering the security of the currency. Press releases have promised that the bank will continue informing the public about each new note's security elements and design features as they are introduced. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
