The Immortal Flame: Commemorating Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s 105th Birth Anniversary

Inextricably bound, Bangabandhu and Bangladesh are two names that resonate as one, inseparable through the annals of history.

The legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman transcends borders, shaping not only the history of Bangladesh but casting an indelible shadow upon the world itself.

Born on March 17, 1920, more than a century ago, a shepherd king was brought into this world — Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Even as a child, his leadership potential gleamed, and from his early school days, he was destined to become a catalyst for change. His first act of defiance, when he gave away rice from his father's private stores to famine-stricken villagers, signaled the beginning of a revolution. His were not the flames of mere protest, but the fires of transformation — embers that fueled the rise of politicians and patriots alike, rallying them year after year, inspiring hope and resilience in their hearts. No one, no force, can ever steal that joy, that hope.

Jean-Paul Sartre once said, “Only the man who isn’t rowing has time to rock the boat.” In a land where many prefer to disrupt rather than to steady the vessel of progress, we owe Bangabandhu, as he was affectionately known, a debt of gratitude. His legacy is one of unwavering hope — the kind of hope that empowers a nation to weather even the fiercest storms.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s tale is not just one of perseverance, but of ultimate triumph against insurmountable odds, earning him the title of "Father of the Bengali Nation" — a man whose vision of a progressive nation was matched only by his pragmatism in navigating the complex political landscape. At a time when self-interest tainted the actions of many leaders, Mujib remained steadfast, his gaze fixed on the future, serving his people with the purest of intentions.

Politicians shape the course of nations, and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was no ordinary politician. His life’s work revolved around one simple but profound cause: the upliftment of the poor. He chose to live among the impoverished, to understand them and serve them better. His compassion for the downtrodden made him a beacon of hope, not just for Bangladesh, but for the world.

A master orator, Bangabandhu’s belief in the liberation of his nation surpassed even his own personal sacrifices. His speeches stirred the hearts of millions, none more so than his iconic address on 7th March, 1971, which ignited the flames of armed resistance against the oppressive Pakistani regime. In that moment, he transcended the boundaries of politics, becoming the embodiment of Bangladesh’s struggle for independence, and a symbol of courage and vision for oppressed peoples everywhere across the world.

He united the people of Bangladesh as one unstoppable force, a single entity determined to overthrow the brutal Pakistani military junta and create a free and sovereign nation. As Eleanor Roosevelt once wisely noted, “We make our own history. The course of history is directed by the choices we make, and our choices grow out of the ideas, the beliefs, the values, the dreams of the people.” These words echoed in the heart of Bangabandhu’s long, arduous journey toward freedom.

Even after his tragic assassination, the voice of Bangabandhu — the advocate for the oppressed — continued to resonate. His words, simple yet profound, spoke to the essence of human emotion, and they have preserved his enduring popularity, immortalizing his legacy for generations to come.

As the great proverb reminds us, "Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter." Bangabandhu was no mere hunter — he was the lion himself, carving history with his actions, his vision, and his sacrifices. He was not only a leader but a father to the Bengali people, earning the affectionate title Bangabandhu — the Friend of Bengal. His leadership inspired millions, not only in Bangladesh but across the world. His deeds continue to resonate with revolutionaries, reformers, and dreamers of a better world.

Through all his struggles, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman remains the most charismatic and beloved political leader in Bangladesh's history. His life and his words, as relevant today as ever, continue to guide and inspire.

The world may be full of aspiring political leaders, but few, if any, have embodied the ideals of leadership as Bangabandhu did. Integrity, courage, and dedication to the people defined his political career. He remains the epitome of what a true leader can be, not simply a figure of power but one who lives for the betterment of his people.

In the course of Bangladesh’s history, no leader has left a deeper imprint, no voice has been as resounding, and no vision has been as transformative. Mujib was not just a leader — he was The Leader who shaped the very soul of the nation. Today, his name stands as a beacon, reminding us of the power of integrity, the importance of serving the people, and the undying flame of freedom.

He was the heart of Bangladesh, and his legacy lives on — undiminished, unshaken, and as vital as ever. Mujib, the Great, lives on in every speech, every action, and in the collective spirit of the Bengali people.

Sent- In by Anwar A. Khan

— Anwar A. Khan, a freedom fighter of the 1971 war field to establish Bangladesh, based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, who writes on politics and international issues.

×