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Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

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Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a very important leader in the history of Bangladesh.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman1949
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman1949

He is often called Bangabandhu, which is an honorific title. He helped create the nation of Bangladesh as its founding president. Mujib was born on March 17, 1920, in a village called Tungipara. His family was part of the Bengali Muslim aristocracy. As a young boy, he was known to be very energetic and kind. He loved playing sports like football and volleyball. He also spent time feeding animals like birds, monkeys, and dogs.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dhaka Wanderers jersey in 1940
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dhaka Wanderers jersey in 1940

As he grew older, Mujib became very interested in politics. He started as a student activist in the province of Bengal. He joined the All-India Muslim League early in his career. Later, in 1949, he helped form a new group called the Awami League.

Front View of Rose Garden Place
Front View of Rose Garden Place

Mujib wanted to protect the rights of the Bengali people. He fought against unfair treatment from the government in West Pakistan. He led the six-point autonomy movement to ask for more rights. Because of his work, he spent 13 years in prison.

In 1970, Mujib led the Awami League to win a major election. This was the first general election in Pakistan. When the government refused to give him power, he spoke to the people. On March 7, 1971, he gave a very famous speech.

Mujibur Rahman 7th March Speech Race Course Maidan 1971-03-07 (PID-h003)
Mujibur Rahman 7th March Speech Race Course Maidan 1971-03-07 (PID-h003)

Shortly after, the Pakistan Army arrested him. This led to the Bangladesh Liberation War. On March 26, 1971, the independence of Bangladesh was proclaimed. Even while he was in jail, he was seen as the leader of the new government.

Bangabandhu Waiving Flag on 23 March 1971 at Dhanmondi 32
Bangabandhu Waiving Flag on 23 March 1971 at Dhanmondi 32

Mujib returned to his country in January 1972. He had the hard job of rebuilding a nation after a war. He helped create a new constitution for the country. He also set up a new government and its legal systems. Mujib wanted to make friends with many different nations. He followed a rule of "friendship to all and malice to none."

He spoke to the United Nations in 1974. He also met with world leaders like Queen Elizabeth II.

1973-08 Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman meets Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at Commonwealth Head of Government Conference Ottawa (PID-h0054)
1973-08 Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman meets Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at Commonwealth Head of Government Conference Ottawa (PID-h0054)

His time as leader was not always easy. The country faced economic problems and a deadly famine in 1974. Some people felt his government was too strict. He even created a one-party system in 1975.

Residence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman front view
Residence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman front view

This period was very controversial for many people. On August 15, 1975, Mujib was killed during a coup at his home. Many people still remember him for leading the way to independence. In 2004, a poll called him the Greatest Bengali of All Time.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with Bangladesh Air Force personnel (03)
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with Bangladesh Air Force personnel (03)
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🖼️ Images & Media (47)
File:British Raj Red Ensign.svg
British Raj Red Ensign.svg
File:Swadhinata Padak.svg
Swadhinata Padak.svg
File:Residence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman front view.jpg
Residence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur...
File:Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dhaka Wanderers jersey in 1940.jpg
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in...
File:Sheikh Mujibur Rahman1949.jpg
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman1949.jpg
File:Gandhi Suhrawardy and Mujib.jpg
Gandhi Suhrawardy and Mujib.jpg
File:Front View of Rose Garden Place.jpg
Front View of Rose Garden Place.jpg
File:Rally on 21Feb1954 Abdul Hamid and Bangabandhu.jpg
Rally on 21Feb1954 Abdul Hamid and Bangabandhu.jpg
File:Mujib taking oath.jpg
Mujib taking oath.jpg
File:Sheikh Mujibur Rahman BAL.jpg
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman BAL.jpg
File:Sheikh Mujib in China.jpg
Sheikh Mujib in China.jpg
File:Mujib in Harvard.jpg
Mujib in Harvard.jpg

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