Introducing Bangabandhu to our children | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Tuesday
July 15, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2025
Introducing Bangabandhu to our children

Supplement

Jainab Tabassum Banu Sonali
17 March, 2023, 11:40 am
Last modified: 17 March, 2023, 03:34 pm

Related News

  • Retired college teacher found dead in East Rajabazar
  • Govt removes 'Bangabandhu' from names of two police stations
  • Attempted rape of 7-yr-old in Gazipur: ‘Shaitan made me do it,’ says madrasah teacher
  • Ctg poetry recital programme 'halted' midway over poem mentioning Mujib
  • Protesters seeking appointment as asst teachers gather at Shahbagh again

Introducing Bangabandhu to our children

He wanted our children to build a Sonar Bangla, a dream that we inherited from him

Jainab Tabassum Banu Sonali
17 March, 2023, 11:40 am
Last modified: 17 March, 2023, 03:34 pm
Sketch: TBS
Sketch: TBS

Children learn about historical facts and figures in many ways. When I was a school student, we could not reliably learn about Bangabandhu from textbooks. How the historical facts were conveyed through formal education depended on the political preferences of the ruling party of a period. We always found incomplete accounts of history in the textbook contents. This is why families had to play a vital role in teaching kids about Bangabandhu and how he was the central figure of Bangladesh's independence.  

I was introduced to the "poet of politics", the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, by my father. He used to show me documentaries on Bangabandhu and Bangladesh. From then on, I started believing that Bangabandhu and Bangladesh are synonymous.

My child-heart was filled with courage and boldness as I internalised his great personality. I used to repeatedly utter what Bangabandhu said courageously, 'dabaye rakhte parba na'. I thank my father wholeheartedly for raising a warrior in me by igniting Bangabandhu's ideologies inside me. Now that I am a parent, it is my responsibility to pass on the information and facts about Bangabandhu to my children.

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was born on 17 March 1920. This day is also marked as National Children's Day in Bangladesh. The day is observed on 17 March to coincide with the birth anniversary of Bangabandhu, in order to recognise his contribution to children's rights and to celebrate the love he had for children. It is a public holiday in our country.

Children enjoy a day-off and visit different places with their parents and friends to celebrate the day. Many art, recitation and cultural competitions are arranged for children all over the country. Young learners of all strata and ages memorise and perform his iconic 7 March speech and recite poems on Bangabandhu. Patriotic songs are played and performed all day long, creating a great atmosphere of youthfulness and joy.

But do these young minds really understand what they memorise and recite? Do they know what a towering figure Bangabandhu actually was? I have been looking at the current textbook materials of the national curriculum. The work is undoubtedly commendable. The way the contents of the book 'Bangladesh o Bishwa Porichoy' is designed showcases quite a clear picture of Bangladesh and the liberation war. But how much our children know about Bangabandhu is the question and a matter of concern now. In most cases, the children only get to know the most notable information about Bangabandhu and his legacy. To turn the information into knowledge is the crucial responsibility of the adults.

What children should be taught first and foremost, is who Bangabandhu really was, in a truly unbiased way. They should learn first that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is the father of the nation, a nation one that accommodates people of all religions, races, sexes and political ideologies. He is not the sole property of the Bangladesh Awami League and Bangladesh Chhatra League.

If we deny this fact, we will eventually reject our collective national identity. Although many people around us capitalise Bangabandhu and use his name as a brand, people like Barrister Moudud Ahmed, who is a prominent figure of the opposition, beautifully praised the Father of the Nation.

In his book 'Bangladesh: The Era of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman', Barrister Moudud Ahmed writes, "More pragmatic, efficient, capable and dynamic political personalities than Sheikh Mujibur Rahman might have emerged or may emerge, but it will be very difficult to find someone who has contributed more to the independence movement of Bangladesh and the shaping of its national identity." These words, coming from someone who was a political opponent of the Awami League, simply proves the universality of Bangabandhu.

Another essential thing to know about Bangabandhu is the struggle in his personal life. His political life is explored and discussed constantly. However, the unbearable and unthinkable difficulties he had to face in his personal life also require our children's attention.

Bangabandhu's autobiography 'The Unfinished Memoir' details his struggle as a father and a husband, and the young generation should know about this side of his life. Although Bangabandhu spent many years of his life in incarceration, he was a family man. But he never could enjoy normal family life.

When he was struggling and fighting for the rights of Bangladeshi people, his family had to sacrifice their time with him. One anecdote reveals how this affected that family. The child Sheikh Kamal at one point didn't realise that Bangabandhu was his father, as he was so occupied with his political activism. Kamal asked his sister, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, "Hasu apa, Hasu apa, can I also call your father 'abba'?"

Bangamata Sheikh Fojilatunnesa's enormous sacrifices, support and love helped Bangabandhu sacrifice his entire life for the betterment of the country. Our future generation can learn how a couple that understands and supports each other can transform a nation together, as Bangabandhu did with his loving wife's support.

Bangabandhu's political life and contributions to the country are written in many books and articles. Our children should read beyond these prescribed pages. Two very useful and authentic sources are the books written by Bangabandhu himself: The Unfinished Memoir and The Prison Diaries. With a lot of students from the younger generations getting educated in English medium schools, these books can be more approachable to them. Both books have been translated into English by the eminent scholar and translator Professor Fakrul Alam, making them very authoritative and reliable.

Bangabandhu's assassination is also an important event that children should learn about. He was brutally murdered by his own people. His entire family, fortunately except two of his daughters, was shot dead in their Dhanmondi house. But the killers failed to kill Bangabandhu's ideals, as they hoped.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is not a brand to be marketed or showcased for selfish purposes. He is the architect of an independent country, our country. He dreamt of a democratic country free from all sorts of discrimination and exploitation. He wanted our children to breathe freely and live with utmost pride and dignity. He wanted our children to build a Sonar Bangla, a dream that we inherited from him.

On this National Children's Day, let us enlighten our children with authentic details about Bangabandhu and the monumental place he holds in our history. It would be the perfect opportunity for parents to buy Bangabandhu's books for their children. They will go through the pages, revisit the glorious past and learn about our iconic leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.


Jainab Tabassum Banu Sonali is a lecturer at the Department of English Language and Literature at Premier University, Chittagong. This article was earlier published on tbsnews.net

Bangladesh / Top News

Bangabandhu / Teacher

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin met USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer at the USTR office in Washington, DC on 10 July 2025. Photo: CA Press Wing
    US tariff: 3rd round talks to be held on issues under non-disclosure agreement 
  • Infograph: TBS
    Ring Shine Textiles scam: BSEC imposes travel bans on 13
  • Representational image. Photo: Collected
    Dollar gains Tk1.8 as BB buys at higher rates, lifting market floor

MOST VIEWED

  • Graphics: TBS
    Bangladesh Bank buys $171m at higher rate in first-ever auction
  • From Gulf to Southeast Asia, why Bangladeshis are facing visa denials
    From Gulf to Southeast Asia, why Bangladeshis are facing visa denials
  • Infographic: TBS
    Dollar price plummets by Tk2.9 in a week as demand wanes
  • Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan speaking about tariff negotiations with United States on 13 July 2025. Photo: TBS
    US wants a framework agreement with Bangladesh that includes their security concerns: Fouzul
  • CNG drivers blockaded a road in Banani demanding route allocation on 13 July 2025. Photo: TBS
    CNG drivers block road in Banani for hours, causing Mohakhali-Uttara gridlock 
  • Representational image. Photo: Mohammad Minhaj Uddin/TBS
    Navy-run Dry Dock takeover boosts Ctg Port container handling, daily avg up 7%

Related News

  • Retired college teacher found dead in East Rajabazar
  • Govt removes 'Bangabandhu' from names of two police stations
  • Attempted rape of 7-yr-old in Gazipur: ‘Shaitan made me do it,’ says madrasah teacher
  • Ctg poetry recital programme 'halted' midway over poem mentioning Mujib
  • Protesters seeking appointment as asst teachers gather at Shahbagh again

Features

Illustration: TBS

Open source legal advice: How Facebook groups are empowering victims of land disputes

7h | Panorama
DU students at TSC around 12:45am on 15 July 2024, protesting Sheikh Hasina’s insulting remark. Photo: TBS

‘Razakar’: The butterfly effect of a word

16h | Panorama
Photo: Collected

Grooming gadgets: Where sleek tools meet effortless styles

1d | Brands
The 2020 Harrier's Porsche Cayenne coupe-like rear roofline, integrated LED lighting with the Modellista special bodykit all around, and a swanky front grille scream OEM Plus for the sophisticated enthusiast looking for a bigger family car that isn’t boring. PHOTO: Ahbaar Mohammad

2020 Toyota Harrier Hybrid: The Japanese Macan

2d | Wheels

More Videos from TBS

Will Patriot missile defense save Ukraine?

Will Patriot missile defense save Ukraine?

9h | Others
Market intermediaries want changes in policies

Market intermediaries want changes in policies

10h | TBS Today
Robbery 'in front' of the police, what happened next...

Robbery 'in front' of the police, what happened next...

10h | TBS Stories
Conspirators want Bangladesh not to hold elections: Fakhrul

Conspirators want Bangladesh not to hold elections: Fakhrul

10h | TBS Today
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2025
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net