What Did Sheikh Mujib Say About Mujibism, and What Does It Mean?

During the three-week-long movement, which began with opposition to the quota system and ended with the fall of the Awami League government, there was never any mention of opposing Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as an individual or his ideology. Instead, the protesters used various inspiring quotes from Bangladesh’s founding father, such as “We cannot be suppressed.” They even chanted slogans like, “In Bangabandhu’s Bangladesh, there is no place for discrimination.” However, as the movement succeeded, the scenario changed drastically. Statues of Sheikh Mujib were demolished across the country, and the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum was set on fire.

After the interim government assumed power, Mahfuz Alam, the special assistant to the chief advisor (now an advisor), declared war on Mujibism. Mahfuz Alam, whom the chief advisor introduced as the ‘mastermind’ of the movement, also talked about eradicating Mujibism. Yet, during the 15 years of the Awami League’s rule, the party never addressed Mujibism nor appeared to promote it. It seems that only about 5% of the Awami League’s leaders and activists had any understanding of Mujibism. Still, the ruling government’s declaration of war on Mujibism has reignited discussions about this ideology.

What is Mujibism? – The most concise yet profound answer was given by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman himself. In 1972, left-wing politician and writer Khondkar Elias asked him this very question in an interview. Later, Khondkar Elias published a book titled Mujibism. Let us read the question about Mujibism and the explanation provided by Sheikh Mujib.

Question:
“Bangabandhu, we have observed throughout your long political life that considering the historical development of Bangladesh and the level of consciousness of the Bengali nation, you have been providing clear guidance for the political, economic, social, and cultural liberation of this country, expressing your own ideology. Now, my question is, how do you evaluate your ideology in light of Jinnahism, Gandhism, Nasserism, Judaism, Maoism, Titoism, Leninism, and Marxism?”

Sheikh Mujib:
“Look, from my student life until today, my long political life has been shaped by a few ideologies. The core of my ideology has always been to establish peace, prosperity, and equality for the farmers, workers, students, middle-class intellectuals, and all the working people of this country.

I was born into a middle-class family, so having been connected with farmers, I understand what exploitation means. This country’s farmers, workers, intellectuals, and all working people have been exploited for centuries. The zamindars, jotdars, moneylenders, and their officers have exploited them, as have the traders, capitalists, imperialists, colonialists, and neo-colonialists. The people of this land, the people of this soil, have been completely devastated by exploitation. But what is the way to their liberation? This question has often left me confused. Eventually, I found the answer.

Some of my political associates and progressive friends speak of class struggle, but I speak of nationalism. Jinnahism has spread communal poison in the veins of this country, and in response, I advocate secularism, saying ‘to each his own religion.’ Along with that, I also speak of democracy and socialism. I want to establish a society free of exploitation through socialism, but not through bloodshed—democratically, within the framework of parliamentary law. I have formed this ideology by analyzing the real situation and historical context of Bangladesh. The Soviet Union, China, and Yugoslavia are all building socialism in their own ways, based on their respective conditions. I believe Bangladesh must also move forward with a unique path rooted in nationalism, secularism, democracy, and socialism.

Many people call my ideology ‘Mujibism.’ What the writers, intellectuals, or historians of this country choose to name my thoughts is their business, not mine. I have no attachment to naming. What matters to me is action. I want the practical implementation of my thoughts. I want a democratic, exploitation-free Bangladesh! I want the full realization of my dream to build a Golden Bengal.”