Dhaka: Writer, researcher, and historian Badruddin Umar has asserted that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had no involvement in the Language Movement. This claim contradicts the statements of Sheikh Hasina, the deposed premier and Mujib’s daughter, who has consistently maintained that her father led the movement from jail in 1952.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Umar expressed his views during an interview with BSS Deputy Chief News Editor Muhammad Abdul Baten. The interview, originally conducted on February 20, 2025, was recently rerun in his honor following his passing at 94. Umar emphasized that the historical narrative surrounding Sheikh Mujib’s role in the Language Movement has been distorted. He criticized those who claim that Mujib was a pivotal figure in the movement, labeling such assertions as falsehoods.
Umar, known for his significant contributions to the historical documentation of Bangladesh’s Language Movement, stressed the importance of maintaining accuracy and impartiality in documenting political history. He urged the new generation to engage in truthful historical writings, highlighting the necessity of preserving factual accounts for the future.
In his reflections, Umar recounted the evolution of Amar Ekushey February, the day commemorating the Language Movement, from a day of protest before Bangladesh’s independence to a day of mourning post-1971. He attributed this shift to Sheikh Mujib, who transformed the observance into a memorial occasion, thereby diluting the protest spirit.
Discussing the origins of the Language Movement, Umar traced it back to the early days following Pakistan’s independence in 1947. He noted the tension between the linguistic and cultural identities of East and West Pakistan, which sparked the movement. Umar criticized the imposition of Urdu as the state language and highlighted the cultural and linguistic diversity that existed within the newly formed Pakistan.
Reflecting on his experiences during the 1952 Language Movement, Umar shared his observations as a student at Dhaka University. He recounted the significant but non-partisan involvement of various groups, particularly the role of Tamaddun Majlish and the Jubo League, in advancing the movement. However, he reiterated that Sheikh Mujib had no direct role in the events of 1952.
Umar also critiqued the political climate post-independence, highlighting the failures of the government in fulfilling the aspirations of the people. He pointed to the exploitation and corruption that emerged during Sheikh Mujib’s regime and continued during Hasina’s tenure, urging a reevaluation of historical narratives to reflect the truth.
In closing, Umar called for a critical examination of Bangladesh’s political history, challenging distorted accounts and advocating for a factual recounting of events. He stressed the importance of fact-checking in historical writing, emphasizing that the truth inevitably surfaces despite attempts to suppress it.