The commemoration of Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s 76th death anniversary in Dhaka has sparked intense debate and introspection within Bangladesh. Held at the National Press Club, this event, organized by the Nawab Salimullah Academy, marked a striking deviation from the traditional narrative of Bangladesh’s history, given Jinnah's role in the creation of Pakistan and the subsequent liberation struggle.
The ceremony included Urdu poetry recitations and musical performances dedicated to Jinnah, a first for Bangladesh. Prominent figures like Professor Mostafizur Rahman, who delivered a keynote address tracing Jinnah’s life milestones, and Jafarul Haq Jafar, who recited an Urdu poem, underscored the significance of the event. Pakistani students Mohammad Tahir and Kamran Abbas also performed Urdu songs celebrating Jinnah, further emphasizing the celebration of his legacy.
This unusual tribute comes in the wake of significant political changes in Bangladesh. The event occurred shortly after a military-led interim government assumed control following the exile of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amidst massive student protests. The interim government’s rise to power and the subsequent shift in political dynamics have led to a reevaluation of historical narratives and national symbols.
The timing of the event is particularly poignant given Bangladesh’s historical context. The nation’s struggle for linguistic and cultural identity was pivotal in its fight for independence from Pakistan. The Bangla language movement of 1952 was a defining moment when East Pakistan's resistance to the imposition of Urdu led to the martyrdom of five students. This event is commemorated annually on International Mother Language Day, symbolizing Bangladesh’s commitment to its linguistic heritage.
The commemoration of Jinnah's death anniversary in Dhaka, however, brings into sharp focus the enduring pain and controversy surrounding Bangladesh’s past. The events of 1971, marked by the Pakistani regime’s brutal crackdown, resulted in the deaths of millions and the suffering of countless others. This dark chapter in Bangladesh’s history is a poignant reminder of the struggle for independence and the atrocities committed during the liberation war.
The absence of the Pakistani High Commissioner, who was expected to attend as the chief guest, and the presence of Deputy High Commissioner Kamran Dhangal at the event, reflect the complex diplomatic context. The tribute has elicited mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a gesture of reconciliation and others as a disturbing revision of history.
Dhaka-based journalist Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury criticized the event as a "slap on our war of independence," given the immense sacrifices made by the Bengali people. He expressed dismay at the commemoration of Jinnah in a nation that fought so fiercely against the legacy he represents. Analyst Ashfaq Hassan has questioned whether the event signifies a rewriting of history in Bangladesh, given the longstanding animosity between the two nations.
During Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, efforts were made to distance Bangladesh from its past association with Pakistan. The previous administration had been critical of radical Islamist elements and worked to suppress any overtures that might rekindle ties with Pakistan’s past. The celebration of Jinnah’s legacy in the current political climate raises concerns about the future direction of Bangladesh’s historical discourse.
The juxtaposition of honoring Jinnah in a nation born out of resistance to Pakistan’s creation presents a complex and controversial issue. The event challenges the prevailing narrative of Bangladesh’s struggle for independence and highlights the ongoing debate over historical interpretation and national identity. As Bangladesh continues to navigate its post-Hasina era, the commemoration of Jinnah's legacy invites scrutiny and reflection on the evolving understanding of historical figures and events. This moment in history prompts a broader conversation about the impact of political changes on national memory and identity, and whether Bangladesh is revisiting and potentially reshaping its historical narrative.
