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🇧🇩 Bangladesh /Culture & Society

Tajuddin Ahmad envisioned secular Bangladesh, rejected BaKSAL: Professor

From Daily Star · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • Tajuddin Ahmad, Bangladesh's first prime minister, envisioned a secular society where state and religion are separate, according to Dhaka University Emeritus Professor A F Serajul Islam Choudhury.
  • Professor Choudhury highlighted differences between Ahmad and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on socialism and democracy, noting Ahmad's opposition to BaKSAL and his foresight regarding political outcomes.
  • Ahmad also opposed granting amnesty to war criminals and accepting aid from the US, demonstrating his wisdom and strong principles, Professor Choudhury stated.

Tajuddin Ahmad, the first prime minister of Bangladesh, envisioned a secular society where the state and religion remain completely separate, according to Dhaka University Emeritus Professor A F Serajul Islam Choudhury. Speaking at the Tajuddin Ahmad Memorial Lecture, Professor Choudhury emphasized that Ahmad's concept of secularism went beyond equal rights for all religions.

To him, secularism did not merely mean equal rights for all religions. He believed the state and religion must remain completely separate, with no ties between the two.

— A F Serajul Islam ChoudhuryExplaining Tajuddin Ahmad's vision for secularism in Bangladesh.

Professor Choudhury pointed out fundamental differences between Ahmad and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman regarding socialism and democracy. He described Sheikh Mujib's socialism as "national socialism" and criticized the Mujib Bahini's role during the Liberation War, suggesting it was formed to prevent leftists from gaining leadership.

The socialism Sheikh Mujib spoke of was national socialism. Sheikh Mujib and his Mujib Bahini followers called themselves national socialists.

— A F Serajul Islam ChoudhuryHighlighting ideological differences between Tajuddin Ahmad and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The professor recalled Ahmad's strong opposition to BaKSAL, recounting how Ahmad refused a proposal to join the sole legal party, stating, "I cannot join a party that’s on a suicidal path." Ahmad also foresaw the negative consequences for both himself and Mujib, a prediction that later proved true. He was also saddened by Mujib's decision to grant general amnesty to war criminals and his opposition to US aid.

Mujib Bahini was not formed to fight the war. It was formed to ensure the leftists could not assume leadership, and to ensure they could take power if Sheikh Mujib did not return after independence.

— A F Serajul Islam ChoudhuryCriticizing the role of Mujib Bahini during the Liberation War.

Professor Choudhury praised Ahmad's presence of mind and wisdom, identifying him as the most educated among post-war Awami League leaders. The event was chaired by DU Pro-Vice Chancellor Mohammed Almujaddade Alfasane, with Sharmin Ahmad, founder of the Tajuddin Ahmad Trust Fund, attending as chief guest.

I cannot join a party that’s on a suicidal path.

— Tajuddin AhmadTajuddin Ahmad's refusal to join BaKSAL, as recalled by Professor Choudhury.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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