In a significant move, Bangladesh’s interim government has cancelled the public holiday on August 15, which marks the death anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s founding father. This decision has sparked controversy and criticism from various quarters, particularly from the Awami League (AL), which was founded by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman himself.
August 15 had been observed as a national holiday since 1975, the year Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated in a military coup. However, the interim government, which took power in January, has decided to scrap the holiday, citing the need to reduce the number of public holidays in the country.
The Awami League, which led the government until January, has strongly protested the decision, calling it an attempt to erase the country’s history and heritage. The party has accused the interim government of trying to undermine the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who is revered as a national hero in Bangladesh.
The cancellation of the holiday has also been criticized by other political parties and civil society groups, who argue that it is an attempt to distort history and ignore the sacrifices made by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for the country’s independence.
The interim government has defended its decision, saying that it is necessary to reduce the number of public holidays to improve productivity and economic growth. However, the move is seen by many as a political vendetta against the Awami League and an attempt to rewrite the country’s history.