What's in a name?

The famous line – "What's in a name?" – comes from Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, specifically from a monologue by Juliet. In this context, Juliet reflects on the conflict between her love for Romeo and his association with the Montague family, which is feuding with her own family, the Capulets.

So, what's in a name? When I was a child, we used to play games involving names. One such name was Zia International Airport, where the first part of the name, "ZIA", served as an acronym representing the airport's name. In 2010, the airport was renamed Hazrat Shahjalal (R) International Airport. I wasn't concerned about the name change, but I was surprised to learn that it cost nearly Tk1,400 crore in taxpayer money!

The trend of renaming places and institutions in Bangladesh is deeply rooted in our past. It has been influenced by political shifts since our independence. From 1971 to 1975, many locations were renamed to honour our freedom fighters under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's regime, with significant changes like Dacca becoming Dhaka. 

After his assassination, between 1975 and 1981, military-backed governments, especially under President Ziaur Rahman, removed references to Mujib and the Awami League from various institutions. From 1982 to 1990, General Ershad implemented administrative reforms and renamed some areas, emphasising Islamic themes.

Since then, it has been a political soap opera! The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Awami League have taken turns in a never-ending renaming spree because, apparently, branding is more important than running a country. One minute, you have Mujib's name plastered everywhere, and the next, it's like he never existed! It's as if they're playing a bizarre game of political musical chairs — one takes him out, and the other puts him back in.

Things began deteriorating after Sheikh Hasina started her second term as Prime Minister in 2009. Public spaces and institutions have been systematically renamed to honour the Sheikh family. During our visit to Jamalpur last June, we observed a widespread pattern of naming, with government institutions, roads, and junctions consistently dedicated to members of the Sheikh family. The only name that remains unchanged is that of the district itself.

Recently, there has been a growing movement to rethink the names of our public institutions, and it's understandable why. Many of us have felt overwhelmed by the pervasive use of names from the Sheikh family, leaving little room for diversity in representation. This moment presents a vital opportunity for us to reflect on our national identity, recognise our shared history, and thoughtfully consider what these changes really mean, particularly in such a complex political landscape. Many individuals hesitate to voice their concerns for fear of being associated with the Awami Party.

Following the political changes after the 2024 uprising, which led to Sheikh Hasina's exit, we have initiated a significant renaming effort targeting various public institutions. The uprising, a culmination of public dissatisfaction with the ruling party, sparked a wave of changes in the country's political landscape. The goal of the renaming effort is to redefine the legacies of these institutions and establish a distinct identity independent of past political influences.

However, this process comes with considerable costs. For instance, renaming Dhaka's airport in 2010 alone cost Tk1,400 crore, a substantial amount that could have been allocated to other developmental projects. If similar changes are proposed for different institutions, the financial implications could be significant, raising concerns about the efficient use of our country's resources and highlighting the urgent need for a sustainable naming policy.

So far, thirteen public universities, previously named after Sheikh Hasina and her family, have been renamed, transitioning to names reflecting their local districts. These changes, part of a broader narrative seeking to decentralise historical recognition, aim to shift the focus from individual political figures to the local communities and their contributions to the nation's development.

Six medical colleges and fourteen hospitals, previously named after prominent Awami League figures, have also been renamed. This effort aims to create neutral healthcare environments that foster community pride and cohesion. By removing political associations from these institutions, the aim is to ensure that all citizens feel equally represented and served by these facilities.

The motivations behind renaming institutions are closely tied to Bangladesh's intricate political landscape. During Sheikh Hasina's administration, names were frequently associated with her lineage, which critics argue has marginalised other significant historical figures and narratives.

Last year, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman vowed to name institutions and establishments nationwide after martyrs if the party is voted back into power. It perhaps sounds more inclusive for now, advocating for recognising diverse heroes from multiple movements throughout the nation's history; the broader perspective seeks to enhance the understanding of national identity and history, illuminating contributions from various voices.

The urgent need for sustainable naming policies

As Bangladesh experiences a cycle of renaming its public institutions, the need for a sustainable policy framework becomes increasingly evident. Such a policy could prioritise historical significance and community representation, transcending political affiliations. It would mitigate the frequency of renaming endeavours and contribute to a stable future for these institutions. 

The need for a sustainable naming policy is crucial for the future of our country's institutions, providing reassurance and stability. Let's also not forget the substantial costs associated with renaming.

A consistent naming policy would save time, resources, and effort while fostering a sense of continuity and respect for the country's rich history. Establishing clear guidelines for naming practices also elevates discussions surrounding national identity and historical acknowledgement, steering the nation away from the controversies that arise with each new administration.

Financial implications of renaming

In other countries, these transformative changes can come with significant price tags—like the $30,000 cost for a school in Ontario, Canada, and $287,000 for schools in the United States!

In Bangladesh, the spotlight shines on the 2010 renaming of Dhaka's airport, the only documented expense of this kind so far. Fast-forward to June 2023, when the Dhaka South City Corporation made headlines by renaming four key infrastructures, including parks and a bridge – the costs remain unknown.

In January 2025, the Chattogram Elevated Motorway was renamed to honour Wasim Akram, a martyr of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. In February 2025, the government again stirred the pot by rebranding four highways and eight bridges that once honoured Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family — the new names were revealed, but the financial details? Still a secret!

As Bangladesh navigates these exciting changes, blending economic savvy with community values is integral to making wise future decisions.

If we want to explore an exciting opportunity to rebrand the country after the July uprising, let's dive into this thrilling journey like the big corporations! We can transform names and places and redesign our currency, but most importantly, we must create a vibrant policy that ensures these changes stand the test of time.

We cannot let the luxury of name changes become a passing trend with each new regime! If we are to move forward as a nation, we must ask: when will we stop renaming and start building legacies that don't need constant revisions? The real challenge isn't choosing a name but ensuring the institutions behind it stand firm enough to make a name for themselves. The future is bright and full of potential; we must embrace it enthusiastically and determinedly!

Sketch: TBS

Shafiq R Bhuiyan is a storyteller who examines the intersection of social progress, effective communication, cultural development, and corporate social responsibility while sharing insights to inspire change.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.