Mujib Year

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s (March 17, 1920 – August 15, 1975) life and legacy are synonymous with the history of Bangladesh’s Liberation. Born in Tungipara in Gopalganj district of Bangladesh, he became one of the most towering political figures of the 20th century. His forceful articulation of the cause of his people, in opposing institutional discrimination eventually inspired the struggle for the rights of his people and fuelled the liberation of Bangladesh. Even today, a century after his birth, his trademark attire of long kurta, pyjama and the black “Mujib Coat”, evokes the same respect and adoration as they did in 1971, in his native Bangladesh and in India, where he is also revered as a hero by the Indian people.

Bangabandhu’s life is also his legacy. The courage of his convictions and his resolve to fight injustice cost him years of incarceration. Secularism, pride in one’s language and culture and equality were at the core of his message. When the oppressive regime of Pakistan, disregarding all democratic values, unleashed a reign of state-sponsored terror and mass atrocities upon ‘Bangla Bhumi’ and devastated its people, Bangabandhu inspired the resistance that liberated Bangladesh from repression, domination and genocide.

Delivering his remarks during the commencement of ‘Mujib Borsho’ (100th Birth anniversary celebrations of Sheikh Mujib – 17 March 2020), Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi remarked that Bangabandhu was “one of the greatest personalities of the last century”; and that “his entire life is an inspiration for all”.

A student of Islamia College (now Maulana Azad College) in Kolkata, as the leader of independent Bangladesh, Bangabandhu went on to promote close and friendly relations between India and Bangladesh. He called the people of India the best friends of the people of Bangladesh. The path shown by Bangabandhu has helped build a strong foundation for partnership, progress and prosperity in both countries.