Bangladesh Rewrites Independence History

Bangladesh has introduced new textbooks for primary and secondary students for the 2025 academic year, which now state that Ziaur Rahman declared the country's independence in 1971, replacing the previous attribution to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The title 'Father of the Nation' for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has also been removed from these books. This revision is part of broader changes initiated after the removal of Sheikh Hasina as prime minister, which also include efforts to remove Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's image from currency notes, cancel national holidays associated with him, and the vandalism of his statues and murals. The Bangladesh — National Curriculum and Textbook Board chairman, Professor AKM Reazul Hassan, confirmed that the new books credit Ziaur Rahman with the declaration on March 26, 1971, and a subsequent declaration on behalf of Bangabandhu on March 27. This move challenges the historical narrative upheld by the Bangladesh — Awami League and aligns with the views of the Bangladesh — Bangladesh Nationalist Party, reigniting long-standing debates about the nation's founding history.