Dhaka: Writer, researcher and historian Badruddin Umar has asserted that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had no involvement in the Language Movement of 1952. This statement contradicts claims made by his daughter, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has consistently stated that her father led the movement from jail.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Umar made these remarks during an interview with the news agency’s Deputy Chief News Editor, Muhammad Abdul Baten, on the eve of Amar Ekushey February. Umar expressed skepticism about the narrative that Mujib played a leading role from behind bars, emphasizing the importance of maintaining factual accuracy in recounting the nation’s political history.
Umar, author of “Basic Research on the History of the Language Movement,” critiqued the portrayal of Mujib’s role, noting that during the critical days of the movement, Mujib was incarcerated and transferred to Faridpur jail. Umar pointed out inconsistencies in the narrative that Mujib communicated with his followers through notes passed from prison, labeling these claims as fabrications.
Umar also addressed the transformation in how the Language Movement is commemorated. He highlighted that before Bangladesh’s independence, the day was observed as one of protest. However, he asserted that after 1971, Sheikh Mujib shifted the focus to mourning, which, according to Umar, diluted the spirit of resistance associated with the day.
The historian stressed the necessity for Bangladesh to adopt Bangla at all societal levels, lamenting the current generation’s inclination towards English over their native language. He also reflected on the ongoing distortion of historical accounts and urged for an impartial recounting of events for the benefit of future generations.
In his interview, Umar detailed the origins of the Language Movement, citing the demand for Bengali to be recognized as a state language following the creation of Pakistan in 1947. He criticized the decision to impose Urdu, a language not native to any Pakistani province, as the state language, underscoring the cultural and linguistic rift between East and West Pakistan.
Umar emphasized the significant role played by groups like Tamaddun Majlish and Jubo League in the movement, noting that the Awami League had minimal involvement. He shared personal anecdotes from his time as a student at Dhaka University during the movement, witnessing key events yet remaining politically unaffiliated.
Concluding his remarks, Umar criticized the persistent distortion of Bangladesh’s political history, arguing that such practices undermine the nation’s integrity. He called upon the younger generation to pursue truth and factual accuracy in documenting the country’s history.