Bangladesh has unveiled new textbooks stating that Ziaur Rahman declared the country’s independence in 1971, a significant shift from previous editions that credited the founding father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, with the declaration, according to a report by The Daily Star.

The revised textbooks for primary and secondary education include several changes, notably removing the title “Father of the Nation” from Mujibur Rahman.

For the 2025 academic year, the textbooks will assert that “on March 26, 1971, Ziaur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh, and on March 27, he made another declaration of independence on behalf of Bangabandhu,” as quoted by Reazul Hassan, chairman of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board.

The revised information will be included in the free textbooks where the declaration of independence is addressed.

Writer and researcher Rakhal Raha, who participated in revising the textbooks, stated that the aim was to eliminate what they considered “exaggerated, imposed history.”

Raha noted that the revisions were made after determining that there was no “factual basis” for the claim that Mujib sent a wireless message declaring independence while he was detained by the Pakistani army, leading to its removal from the texts.

Also, read this

Bangladesh seeking ballistic missiles from Pakistan: report

Bangladesh seeks extradition of former PM Sheikh Hasina from India

Bangladesh launches $5b graft probe into Hasina’s family

The identity of the individual who declared Bangladesh’s independence has varied in textbooks depending on the ruling government. Supporters of the Awami League believe that Mujib issued the announcement while Ziaur Rahman, who was a major in the army and later a sector commander during the war, merely read the declaration at Mujib’s instruction.

In a broader context, the Bangladeshi government has initiated the removal of Mujib’s image from currency notes as part of a transition to new designs. The shift follows the ousting of his daughter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on August 5, prompting actions against statues and murals depicting him.

The interim government has cancelled the national holiday on August 15, which commemorates the assassination of Mujib.