Bangladesh's new official version of independence

[Haris]

This was interesting to know that their official version of their independence in Dec 1971 had been a matter of disagreement between certain quarters.

It’s the same politicizing of history haunting them too.

They are taking up another change officially.

http://dawn.com/2007/07/20/top16.htm

Bangladesh to get new official version of independence

DHAKA, July 19: School textbooks in Bangladesh are to be changed to reflect the latest official version of the role of two slain leaders in the country’s proclamation of independence in 1971, a report said on Thursday.

** Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who led Bangladesh’s independence before becoming the nation’s first prime minister, would once again be referred to as the “father of the nation”**, the report by the private UNB agency said.

** Sheikh Mujib, who died in a military coup in 1975, would also be referred to by his popular name of “Bangabandhu” or “friend of Bengalis”,** the report said.

** In another change, former president Ziaur Rahman, who was slain in a 1981 attempted military coup, would be named as the “proclaimer of independence on behalf of Bangabandhu”**, the report added, quoting education officials.

** The place of the two leaders in the nation’s history remains a deeply sensitive subject in Bangladesh.
**
** Since 1991, textbooks have been subject to alterations by governments led alternately by Sheikh Mujib’s daughter, Sheikh Hasina Wajed, and Zia’s widow, Khaleda Zia. The two women are bitter rivals.**

** Supporters of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League believe that independence was proclaimed by a regional party leader acting on the instructions of Sheikh Mujib. Members of Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party, however, say it was the former army chief Zia who made the historic proclamation.
**
Sheikh Hasina led the country from 1996 to 2001 while Zia held power twice, from 1991 to 1996, and from 2001 to 2006.

A military-backed government took power in January after vote-rigging allegations led to elections being cancelled and the imposition of a state of emergency.—AFP

[pak-one]

Re: Bangladesh's new official version of independence

That's great. Bangladesh is not even sure about how their country officially became independent.

On a related note, it seems like Bangladesh has gone through a similar "democratic"political process with two strong (women) leaders switching back and forth in power. Much like NS and BB in Pakistan. To me, this is not real democracy because you have these two Bengali ladies, both connected to the Independence movement controlling the government due to a familial link rather than selection by their political party.

While India, US may have two dominant parties, the leadership is always rotating. Something that Pakistani and Bangladeshi should also consider in the path towards democracy.

[mercenary2k]

Re: Bangladesh's new official version of independence

Whats even more ironic is that the country they got their independence from, Pakistan, has better relations with Bangladesh than the country who helped them, India

[pak-one]

Re: Bangladesh's new official version of independence

Whats even more ironic is that the country they got their independence from, Pakistan, has better relations with Bangladesh than the country who helped them, India

That also sways between depending on who is in power Wajed vs. Zia.

[simplyme]

Re: Bangladesh's new official version of independence

^^

I think the separation of BD was best for Pakistan. A country which is going down the drain inspite of having very good natural resources.

[shriek11]

Re: Bangladesh’s new official version of independence

@simplyme

^^

I think the separation of BD was best for Pakistan. A country which is going down the drain inspite of having very good natural resources.

Bangladesh or Pakistan or is it both down the drain? :halo:

[shriek11]

Re: Bangladesh's new official version of independence

Whats even more ironic is that the country they got their independence from, Pakistan, has better relations with Bangladesh than the country who helped them, India

It is the same way with US having "better relations" with Great Britain than France..

[Mr_Fraudia]

Re: Bangladesh’s new official version of independence

@pakone

Bangladesh has gone through a similar "democratic"political process with two strong (women) leaders switching back and forth in power. Much like NS and BB in Pakistan. .

dekho barkhordaar…i am not a fan of nawaz either, but you cant go around calling him a woman…:nono:

[shriek11]

Re: Bangladesh’s new official version of independence

… And lo and behold a “gunji” woman like NS… Aisa to qiyamat ki nishaniyon me bhee nahin thaa? :aq:

[pak-one]

Re: Bangladesh's new official version of independence

Nope stand by the statement. Saw how the self proclaimed Macho-man of Punjab left the country? NS put all aspiring amir-ul-momineens to shame.

One could venture to say that BB has more testosterone.