The drama in Bangladesh is never-ending. After a series of unforeseen protests and the overthrowing of Sheikh Hasina-led government, former East Pakistan persists to be an international issue. The country in South East Asia seems to have transformed overnight since the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, is running a show, and the critics have targeted Mujibur Rahman, the leader of the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Shockingly, during violent protests, statues of Mujibur Rahman, who is revered as "Bangabandhu," have been vandalized by vicious agitators with hammers in several locations across the country. A new demand for declaring Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, as the Father of the Nation is now gathering pace in Dhaka.

On Wednesday, a program was organized at Dhaka Press Club to mark the 76th death anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. During the programme, the speakers offered their tributes to him and demanded the declaration of Muhammad Ali Jinnah the Father of the Nation replacing Mujibur Rahman. Bangladesh was established in 1971 through a liberation war of languages between Urdu and Bengali. The objective of the liberation was different languages-Bengali and Urdu. This led to the creation of Bangladesh and independence from what was then East Pakistan. The Awami League has thus been integrally related to history, but it is the post-Sheikh Hasina exile incidents that have seen pro-Pakistan factions take control.

Groups like Jamaat-e-Islami, who had renounced their arms during the liberation war and fought alongside the Pakistani forces against the Bengalis, are picking up speed again. Urdu Shayari recitals and speeches by different participants dominated in an event organised at Bangladesh's National Press Club, where the demand for changing the national flag and anthem of Bangladesh was raised. Such demands have caused serious worries and dealt a serious blow to Bangladeshi liberals. These voices are now increasingly being picked up on social media in the country as well.

Several speakers at the program suggested that Bangladesh got independence twice; first on 14th August 1947, and then again on 5th August 2024. Ironically, 1971-which is the year of the birth of the country's official existence was neglected. It stated separation from Pakistan was a wrong decision. People also urged to proclaim Jinnah as the real Father of the Nation.

Image source: On The Dot