Although he lived a relatively short life, Father of the nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire people around the world. His ideals of democracy, equality, and justice are as relevant today as they were when he was alive. Today's youth can learn a lot from Bangabandhu's example, and his life story is an inspiring reminder of what is possible when we stand up for what we believe in.

What Today's Youth Can Learn from Bangabandhu's Ideals?

There are a few politicians in the world who are remembered for a sign of courage due to their actions, and Bangabandhu is one of them. Inspired by his brilliance, the youth still cherish becoming a person like Sheikh Mujib. Here are the 8 lessons youth can learn from the father of the nation’s ideals.

Love the People

Bangabandhu went to the root level to know the people's demands for 31 years. It has led general people to become bold and competent in proclaiming their civil and moral rights and their fair right to live a life free from doubt. He loved Bangladeshi people very much. 

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On January 18, 1972, in response to a question by British television journalist David Frost, he said, "My greatest strength is the love for my people; my greatest weakness is that I love them too much." This can teach today's youth about how to love selflessly.

Strong Personality and Leadership Skills

Mujib was known for his strong personality and charisma, which helped him to gain the support of the people. With his strong personality, Bangabandhu was able to bring people together and get them to work towards a common goal. He was also very honest and straightforward, which helped to build trust among the people he worked with. So, the youth can take lessons from this personality and leadership skill to make themselves a better person.

Honesty

Honesty was the main driving force in Bangabandhu's life, which he learned from his family. In 'The Unfinished Memoirs' page 21, we find that his father, Sheikh Lutfar Rahman told him in 1942, "I will not object to politics, you are fighting against Pakistan, it is so much happiness, but do not forget to study. If you don't study, you can't become a good person." Mujib's father also told him, "If you have 'Sincerity of Purpose and Honesty of Purpose, you will not be defeated in life."

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Throughout his life, Bangabandhu practised honesty, and he never resorted to lies and hypocrisy in politics.

Visionary

Father of the nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a leader with acute vision. With his vision he understood, even if Pakistan and India were divided 1947, it would not benefit Bengalis. The prudent and wise leader Bangabandhu understood this well. From that time, he thought about Bengalis independence. 

Not only in political struggle but also in managing a war-torn country in just three and a half years, he took some steps which originated from his visionary thinking. His cherished dream was to build Sonar Bangla. He was also implementing well-planned economic activities for that purpose.

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Bangabandhu's legacy continues to inspire Bangladeshis today, and his vision for a prosperous and equitable Bangladesh is as relevant as ever.

Confidence

In each step of his life, Sheikh Mujib walks the path with infinite courage. Crossed the difficult path alone with confidence. But there is a sense of confusion among today's youth. A little disappointment makes them lose their confidence. 

So it is very important to know Bangabandhu to energise ourselves. Thus the young people can get inspired by the ideals of Bangabandhu's thought and spirit and move forward.

Read Who was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman? A Short Biography of Bangabandhu, Father of the Nation

Fight Against Injustice

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman dedicated his life to fighting against all injustice, no matter who was responsible. He was a man of great integrity and moral courage, and he never wavered in his commitment to justice. 

As the leader of Bangladesh, he inspired his people to stand up against the tyranny of the Pakistani government and fight for their independence. He told the youth to protest where there is injustice; Resist those individuals and institutions that capitalise on people's helplessness to build a house of power and self-interest.

To follow Bangabandhu's ideology, we must be mentally prepared to fight against the injustice of our society.

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Dreamer

Bangabandhu was a dreamer and helped people to dream. He has shown the Bengali nation a dream of a united, poverty-free, corruption-free non-communal Bangladesh. Bangabandhu had boundless passion, immense faith, and hope for the country. 

Today's youth can take this as a lesson. If those qualities are not instilled in the young generation, the implementation of Bangabandhu's ideals will not be possible. The young generation should come to the forefront to realise Bangabandhu's dream to establish a Bangladesh free from exploitation and corruption.

Patriotism

Bangabandhu taught the people of Bangladesh the true meaning of patriotism. He showed that patriotism is not just about loving one's country but also about fighting for its independence and sovereignty. It is about loving Bangladesh enough to make it a better place. 

Read Bangabandhu, Gandhi share striking similarities in political philosophy: Doraiswami

This was the kind of patriotism that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman showed when he fought for the independence of Bangladesh. He could have easily chosen to remain part of Pakistan, but he knew that Bangladesh deserved to be its own country. Mujib's patriotism was about more than just his country. It was about justice and humanity. So, the youth should learn this and apply it to their daily life.

Final Words

The ideals of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman can inspire the young generation of Bangladesh to build a prosperous nation while protecting the sovereignty of the country. These lessons include the importance of freedom, democracy, human rights, value of education & knowledge, need for unity & solidarity, etc. By understanding and internalising the father of the nation’s ideals, today's youth can help build a better future for themselves and for their country.

Read ‘I look up to Bengali people for justice’, said Rehana in 1983 interview