Nahid Islam, the information and broadcasting advisor to the interim government, has announced that the new administration does not recognize Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the 'Father of the Nation.'

Islam made the statement on Wednesday while responding to media inquiries at the Secretariat. The comments followed the government’s controversial move to scrap several national observances tied to Bangabandhu and the Awami League, including August 15—marking Bangabandhu’s assassination—and March 7, the day of his historic speech in 1971.

“The Awami League ruled as a fascist regime,” Islam said. “They clung to power through voter suppression, forced disappearances, and massacres. Whoever they declare as the Father of the Nation and the national days they promote—those will not be carried forward in this new Bangladesh. We are building a new nation with a fresh historical perspective.”

When asked whether he personally recognized Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the 'Father of the Nation,' Islam replied: “Absolutely not.” He added that the government aims to restructure history, stating, “Our struggle did not begin in 1952. It spans many eras—from the anti-British movement in 1947 to the struggles of 1971, 1990, and even 1924. Many people contributed to our freedom. We have multiple founding fathers.”

The interim government has officially scrapped eight national observances associated with the Awami League. In addition to August 15 and March 7, the cancellations include birthdays of Bangabandhu’s family members, such as his sons and wife.

The Awami League, during its tenure, made the 50th amendment to the Constitution in 2011, enshrining Bangabandhu as the 'Father of the Nation' and requiring his portrait to be displayed in government offices. His March 7 speech and the Mujibnagar government’s declaration of independence were also incorporated into the Constitution.

The Awami League’s 15-year rule ended on August 5, when Sheikh Hasina resigned as prime minister and fled the country. An interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, assumed control on August 8.

According to government sources, the new administration plans to reform state structures before holding elections, aligning with demands made by students who spearheaded the recent uprising. Six commissions have already been formed to guide these reforms, including one dedicated to constitutional restructuring. Chief Advisor Yunus is also engaging political parties in dialogue to gather their input on the reform process.