Is Bangladesh's Interim Government Planning to Remove Bangabandhu's Portraits?
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Synopsis
Bangladesh’s interim government is contemplating a controversial proposal to remove all portraits of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from public spaces, stirring significant debate. The move, linked to a broader agenda to diminish symbols of the 1971 Liberation War, raises concerns about the preservation of national identity and historical memory.
Key Takeaways
- The interim government is contemplating the removal of Bangabandhu's portraits.
- National Consensus Commission is leading this initiative.
- This proposal may alter the constitutional mandate regarding Bangabandhu's image.
- Acts of vandalism against historical symbols have increased recently.
- Political parties are currently assessing their stance on this proposal.
Dhaka, Oct 11 (NationPress) Bangladesh is currently evaluating a proposal to eliminate portraits of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from both public and private sectors, local reports indicate.
This recent initiative, revealed by the National Consensus Commission (NCC) under the leadership of the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus, contributes to ongoing efforts to diminish symbols associated with the 1971 Liberation War.
According to sources, a letter signed by the NCC’s Vice-Chairman, Ali Riaz, was dispatched to political parties on October 9, requesting their written feedback by Saturday.
The commission is suggesting the repeal of clause 4 (Ka) of the Bangladesh Constitution, which mandates the display of Bangabandhu's portraits in all governmental and non-governmental offices and institutions, as reported by the Bangladeshi media outlet bdnews24.
The NCC's letter stated, "Discussions with political parties and alliances regarding the drafting and execution of the July Charter 2025 have concluded. At this stage, the commission is contemplating the inclusion of a proposal to abolish clause 4(Ka) of the current Constitution in the July Charter."
In a related development, Mustafizur Rahman Iran, chairman of the Bangladesh Labour Party, confirmed that the party received the NCC’s letter on Thursday.
Furthermore, the chairman of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party acknowledged the receipt of the commission's letter, noting that the party had not yet provided its feedback.
Earlier in July, acts of vandalism targeting historical symbols of the 1971 Liberation War included the defacement of Bangabandhu's image in the Independence Memorial Mural 'Arjon' with ink.
The incident occurred in Rangpur City, where a group of students linked to last year's violent protests defaced the image using spray paint and black ink, employing a beam lifter from the Rangpur City Corporation, as reported by Prothom Alo.
In April, a group of radicals demolished the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in the Mirpur area of Dhaka.
This monument symbolizes the atrocities committed by the Pakistan Army during Bangladesh's Liberation War.
As videos of the demolition circulated online, numerous Bangladeshis took to social media to vehemently condemn the act, highlighting the current lawlessness under the interim government led by Yunus.
Experts view this as an affront to the martyrs and a component of the government’s appeasement strategy towards Pakistan.
In a similar incident, the mural of the Liberation War Memorial Mancha in the Lalmonirhat district was demolished under the directives of the Yunus-led interim government in March.
Since the Yunus administration took power in August 2024, following the ousting of the Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, approximately 1500 sculptures, murals, and memorials have been vandalized, set ablaze, or uprooted across the nation.
Point of View
I observe the current situation in Bangladesh with a sense of urgency. The consideration to remove Bangabandhu's portraits strikes at the heart of our national identity. The interim government's actions appear to undermine the sacrifices made during the Liberation War. It is crucial for us to reflect on our history and ensure that we honor those who fought for our independence.
NationPress
12/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the proposal regarding Bangabandhu's portraits?
The interim government is considering a proposal to remove portraits of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from public and private establishments, potentially abolishing a constitutional mandate.
Who is behind this proposal?
The proposal has been put forward by the National Consensus Commission (NCC), formed under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
What does clause 4 (Ka) of the Bangladesh Constitution state?
Clause 4 (Ka) mandates that portraits of Bangabandhu be displayed in all government and non-government offices and institutions.
What have been the reactions from political parties?
Political parties have received the letter from the NCC and are currently formulating their responses to the proposal.
How has the public reacted to recent acts of vandalism?
Public reactions have been overwhelmingly negative, with many condemning the vandalism as a disrespectful act against the martyrs of the Liberation War.
