Bangladesh's Interim Government Abolishes Holidays Linked to Sheikh Hasina's Admn

DHAKA – The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, announced on Wednesday the cancellation of eight national holidays introduced during the previous administration of Sheikh Hasina. The decision was made public through a post on the verified Facebook page of the interim government's chief adviser.

The abolished holidays include significant dates related to Sheikh Hasina and her family, including the birth and death anniversaries of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, observed on March 17 and August 15 respectively. Also removed are "Historic March 7" Day, Sheikh Hasina's brother's birth anniversary (August 5), her mother's birth anniversary (August 8), her younger brother's birthday (October 18), National Constitution Day (November 4), and Smart Bangladesh Day (December 12).

The Awami League, Sheikh Hasina's party, swiftly condemned the decision, accusing the interim government of attempting to "erase the history of Bangladesh's creation" in a statement posted on their verified Facebook page. The party highlighted the cancellation of March 7, which commemorates Bangabandhu's historic speech that played a crucial role in uniting the Bengali people during the Liberation War.

Adding to the controversy, Nahid Islam, the 'student coordinator' and adviser to the interim government, stated in Dhaka on Wednesday that the interim government does not recognize Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the Father of the Nation.