Performative Gender Dynamics in Bangabandhu’s 7th March Speech: A Butlerian Analysis of Nationalist Rhetoric

Abstract

This study interrogates the performative construction of gender in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's seminal 7th March Speech through the theoretical lens of Judith Butler's performativity. By dissecting the speech's language and narrative strategies, this research elucidates how masculinities and femininities are enacted, subverted, and reinforced within the nationalist discourse. The analysis reveals that Bangabandhu’s rhetoric not only galvanized a collective struggle for liberation but also intricately wove gender identities into the fabric of the nationalist movement. This dual focus provides critical insights into the speech's role in shaping societal norms and gender relations, offering practical implications for contemporary political rhetoric and advocacy for gender inclusivity.