Photo: Video Screenshot

SANGSAD BHABAN, Sept 8, 2026 (BSS) - Ruling party lawmaker Md. Monirul Haque 
Chowdhury today called for incorporating the life, military career, 
leadership in the Liberation War, integrity and patriotism of General M.A.G. 
Osmani, the Commander-in-Chief of the Liberation War, into school textbooks.

He made the call through a notice raised under Rule 302 of the Rules of 
Procedure in the Jatiya Sangsad today.

Monirul Haque Chowdhury, lawmaker from Cumilla-6, said General Osmani's birth 
and death anniversaries should receive official recognition so that the 
nation can properly commemorate his contributions.

Monirul said he felt disappointed after attending a programme organised by 
the Bangabir Osmani Memorial Council marking Osmani's 108th birth 
anniversary, where most of the speakers and participants were elderly people 
aged around 70 to 80.

The lawmaker questioned whether school-level textbooks contain even a single 
line about General Osmani.

He urged the government to include in textbooks the history of Osmani's 
struggle, his leadership during the Liberation War, his achievements, 
integrity and patriotism.

Referring to the initiative to name the main entrance of the Jatiya Sangsad 
as "M.A.G. Osmani Gate", he said similar steps should preserve Osmani's 
contributions for future generations.

"General Ataul Gani Osmani played a glorious role at the dawn of Bengali 
nationalism. His role in the Liberation War is part of our history," he said.

Monirul Haque Chowdhury said Osmani accepted the responsibility of leading 
the Liberation War at an age when he could have withdrawn from public life, 
describing it as a 'rare example' in history.

He also recalled Osmani's resignation from the post of minister after 
independence in protest against the establishment of one-party rule.

Describing Osmani's military career, the lawmaker said he was born in Sylhet 
on September 1, 1918, and later received higher education from Aligarh 
University. He said Osmani became involved in politics during his university 
years and served as a student leader.
 
He said Osmani passed the ICS examination but chose a military career instead 
of joining the civil service. He joined the British government's Gentleman 
Cadet Corps and became the youngest major in 1939-40.

He also highlighted Osmani's role during World War II and said he earned 
recognition as a Bengali military officer through his valiant service.

Monirul Haque Chowdhury said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman participated in 
the 1965 Pakistan-India war under Osmani's leadership. 

He said the Awami League nominated Osmani in the 1970 general election 
because of his popularity and that he won the election.

According to the lawmaker, Osmani later played an important role in 
controlling the cantonment, preparing for the Liberation War and leading the 
East Bengal Regiment and the initial uprising.

Responding to the notice, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikrom, said the 
lawmaker had raised an important issue that could help the people learn about 
the life and contributions of a heroic son of the nation.

The Speaker said the notice had been raised in Parliament and requested the 
concerned ministry to respond directly to the lawmaker and inform the Jatiya 
Sangsad Secretariat about its response.