Bangladesh's New Textbooks: Ziaur Rahman, Not Mujibur Rahman, Declared Independence

Bangladesh is rewriting its history textbooks to reflect a new narrative about the 1971 Liberation War. In a bold move, the government has updated textbooks for the 2025 academic year to state that Ziaur Rahman, not Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, declared the country's independence on March 26, 1971.

This controversial revision has sparked a heated debate over the role of historical figures in shaping the nation's founding.

The New Narrative in Bangladeshi Textbooks

In the upcoming textbooks, primary and secondary students will learn that Ziaur Rahman-husband of current BNP leader Khaleda Zia-was the one to declare Bangladesh's independence, a move that directly challenges the long-held view that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the 'Father of the Nation,' made the proclamation, as reported by Hindustan Times. This revision also removes Mujib's revered title from textbooks, further erasing his legacy from the national narrative.

A History of Changing Textbooks

This isn't the first time that Bangladeshi textbooks have undergone revisions concerning the 1971 independence declaration. Over the years, the identity of the true proclaimer has shifted with the political tides. Under the Awami League government, textbooks acknowledged Mujibur Rahman as the key figure, as reported by Firstpost. However, during the reign of the BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party), it was claimed that Ziaur Rahman made the declaration. Now, with the interim government in power, the pendulum has swung back again.

The Controversy Surrounding the Declaration

The crux of the controversy lies in the differing accounts of who declared Bangladesh's independence. Some believe Ziaur Rahman, a military figure, read a declaration after Mujibur Rahman was arrested by Pakistani forces, but there is ample historical evidence that Mujib made the initial proclamation on March 26, 1971.

Despite the ongoing debate, the Bangladeshi constitution states that Mujibur Rahman made the declaration, making this textbook revision a particularly sensitive issue. Supporters of Mujib argue that this change is politically motivated, aiming to weaken his influence and elevate Ziaur Rahman's legacy, as per media reports.

What Does History Say?

Historical records and declassified reports from sources like the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) affirm that it was indeed Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who declared independence on March 26, 1971. International news outlets, including the Associated Press, also reported Mujib's declaration on March 27, 1971. Ziaur Rahman did read out a second declaration on the same day, but this was widely viewed as a secondary act after the country's independence had already been declared.

The Larger Political Landscape

The textbook changes are a part of a broader effort by the interim government to shift the political landscape and rewrite the legacy of Bangladesh's Liberation War, as per media reports. The removal of Mujib's portrait from official spaces and his image from currency notes signals a deeper reorientation of national identity, one that elevates Ziaur Rahman and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

As the political climate in Bangladesh continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether these historical revisions will stand the test of time or be contested by future governments. Regardless of the outcome, the debate over who truly declared Bangladesh's independence will continue to shape the nation's political and cultural identity for years to come.