Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's 7th March Speech: An Analysis Through Performance Study Lens

Abstract

This paper critically examines Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s 7th March speech from a performance studies perspective. It argues that the speech, delivered at a crucial juncture in the Bangladesh Liberation War, utilized performative language and embodied performance techniques to galvanize the Bengali population. This paper analyzes how Mujib's rhetoric transformed social realities and mobilized a nation towards independence by applying theories from performance studies, including those of J.L. Austin, Judith Butler, Erving Goffman, and Richard Schechner. The findings suggest that Mujib’s strategic use of pronouns, emotive expressions, rhetorical questions, and repetitive phrases, along with his dynamic body language, created a powerful performative act that effectively united and motivated the audience. Concluding comments emphasize the enduring impact of Mujib's speech on the formation of Bangladeshi national identity. Research implications highlight the importance of viewing political speeches through the lens of performance studies to understand their broader social and cultural impacts. Limitations of the study include the reliance on textual analysis without incorporating audience reception data, which could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the speech's impact.