Published: 12:59 AM, 16 August 2026
Bangabandhu is the Architect of Independence; 1971 Unthinkable Without Him: Asif Nazrul
Former Law Adviser of the interim government, Dr. Asif Nazrul, paid tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, describing him as the indisputable architect of Bangladesh's independence while reflecting on his historical legacy and subsequent political developments.
In a statement posted on his personal Facebook account on Saturday, Dr. Nazrul asserted that Bangladesh's independence in 1971 would not have been possible without the leadership of Bangabandhu.
"There are many reasons to express respect and love for Bangabandhu. As I used to say before and still believe today, if he had not been born, our country would not have become independent, at least not in 1971," Dr. Nazrul stated. "His contribution to Bangladesh's independence and self-determination movement from 1948 to 1971 is undeniable and peerless. He is the architect of our independence."
Highlighting Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's early political career, Dr. Nazrul noted that throughout the long struggle for self-determination, Bangabandhu demonstrated a clear commitment to democracy, political dissent, and economic liberation, key aspects of which are documented in the Constituent Assembly debates up to November 1972.
However, Dr. Nazrul provided a critical assessment of the post-independence governance, noting that while managing post-1971 Bangladesh was exceptionally complex, the administrative shortcomings and subsequent shift toward one-party rule were significant chapters in the nation's history.
"Even while remembering the memories of those few years of misrule, many people loved and respected him for his lifelong contribution to Bangladesh's freedom struggle. I am one of them," he wrote.
Dr. Nazrul further commented on the political utilization of Bangabandhu's legacy in recent years, arguing that the authoritarian practices of Sheikh Hasina's regime severely eroded public perception of the founding leader, effectively pitting his legacy against the spirit of the recent July Mass Uprising.
Concluding his post on the anniversary of the August 15, 1975 tragedy, where Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family members were assassinated, Dr. Nazrul offered prayers and expressed his enduring respect for the founding leader's pivotal role in the nation's liberation movement.
