Former US diplomat Archer Kent Blood described Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a mass leader and a resilient political figure, highlighting his ability to inspire and mobilise people through his powerful oratory. Blood’s observations were cited by American journalist B.Z. Khasru in his widely read book The Bangladesh Military Coup and the CIA Link, later translated into Bangla by Siraj Uddin Sathi and published by the Universal Academy.
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Bangabandhu was a mass leader, a struggling personality: Archer Blood
Bangabandhu’s Leadership and Influence
According to the book, Archer Blood, who served as the Consul General at the American Consulate in Dhaka in 1970, communicated his insights on Bangabandhu to Washington. He noted that after the general elections of Pakistan in December 1970, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman emerged as the future leader of the country. Blood’s message, sent on 10 December 1970—just three days after the elections—indicated that East Pakistan had effectively become a one-party state following the Awami League’s landslide victory.
In his message, Blood emphasised that the overwhelming success of the Awami League was inextricably linked to the charismatic image of Sheikh Mujib himself. He stated, “The victory of the image of an individual – Bangabandhu – has overshadowed the surprising triumph of the Awami League.”
Sheikh Mujib’s Characteristics and Political Persona
Blood further elaborated on Bangabandhu’s personal and professional background. He noted that Mujib had left university without obtaining a law degree and had never pursued employment or business. His primary source of income was a consultancy with the Great Eastern Life Insurance Company. However, this did not diminish his stature; instead, he was seen as an extraordinary leader who commanded respect and authority.
Regarding Mujib’s leadership qualities, Blood remarked, “He is strict and commanding as a team leader, often desperate in his approach. Mujib possesses a complex, messianic characteristic reinforced by his experiences with extreme programmes aimed at galvanising the public.”
Blood also noted Mujib’s humility in private interactions, comparing him with his contemporary, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. While Bhutto exhibited an elitist outlook, Mujib was deeply connected to the people. He had travelled widely and was well-versed in civil matters, making him an accessible leader to the masses.
Bangabandhu’s Oratory and Connection with the People
Archer Blood provided a detailed analysis of Bangabandhu’s speaking style, highlighting his emotional connection with the people of Bengal. Mujib often used phrases such as “my people”, “my land”, “my forest”, and “my river”, reinforcing his image as the embodiment of Bengali aspirations and struggles.
“When speaking about the miseries of the Bangalee people, Mujib became emotional,” Blood observed, underlining the deep empathy he displayed for the suffering of his people.
Countering Criticism Against Mujib
Addressing the criticisms levelled against Bangabandhu by his detractors, Blood acknowledged that some accused Mujib of lacking intellectual depth and being overly ambitious for power. However, he refuted these claims, stating, “Although not an intellectual, Mujib exhibited prudence in personal meetings and possessed a keen sense of humour.”
Archer Blood’s analysis of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman paints a portrait of a leader who was deeply committed to his people, an eloquent speaker, and a figure of immense influence. His observations provide valuable insight into the persona of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, whose leadership and vision played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s destiny.