Mohammad Shahed Bin Kasem
After gaining independence from Pakistan in 1971, Bangladesh embarked on a journey to establish itself as a secular, democratic nation. The vision set by its founding leaders, especially Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was one of a secular state that would be free from religious extremism. However, despite over five decades of independence, the rise of fundamentalism has been a persistent challenge, and the country is still grappling with its secular ideals. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the continued growth of fundamentalism in Bangladesh and why it has not been able to fully embrace secularism.
Historical Roots of Religious Divide
The seeds of religious divide in Bangladesh can be traced back to the partition of India in 1947, which created Pakistan as a separate Muslim state. This division not only split the subcontinent along religious lines but also sowed the seeds of conflict, leading to the eventual creation of Bangladesh in 1971. During the liberation war, the clash between secularist and religious forces was evident, with Islamic fundamentalists siding with Pakistan against the Bangladeshi freedom fighters.
Post-independence, Bangladesh’s founding leaders prioritized secularism, enshrining it in the constitution. However, the legacy of religious division was deeply ingrained, and certain political factions, particularly Islamist groups, began to gain influence. This historical divide created a foundation for religious extremism to thrive over the years.
Political Turmoil and the Rise of Islamism
In the years following independence, Bangladesh faced political instability. The assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975 marked the beginning of an era of military rule and shifts in political ideology. General Ziaur Rahman, who came to power after Mujib’s death, began to move away from the secularist ideals of the founding fathers. Zia’s regime sought to appease Islamist groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami, by incorporating Islamic symbols and rhetoric into national politics.
This trend continued under successive governments, with both military and civilian leaders making political deals with Islamist parties to secure their support. The influence of Islamist groups grew, and their role in shaping Bangladesh’s political discourse became more pronounced. The 1990s saw the rise of fundamentalist ideologies in the form of political Islam, which began to challenge the secular nature of the state.
Social and Economic Factors
Apart from political factors, social and economic conditions also played a crucial role in the rise of fundamentalism. Bangladesh, with its dense population and widespread poverty, became fertile ground for extremist ideologies. Religious groups, including the Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam, capitalized on the disenfranchised youth, offering them a sense of purpose and identity. These groups have increasingly used social media and educational institutions to propagate their ideas, especially targeting vulnerable populations in rural areas.
The increasing dissatisfaction with the secular political establishment and the rise of religious sentiments have led to the growing acceptance of fundamentalist views in certain segments of society. These views often promise a return to traditional Islamic values and a rejection of what they see as the moral decay of secularism.
The Role of Globalization and Regional Dynamics
The rise of global jihadist movements and the growing influence of radical groups in neighboring countries, such as Pakistan and Afghanistan, have also had an impact on Bangladesh. Islamist organizations have been able to build international networks that provide them with financial and ideological support. Furthermore, regional tensions and the global War on Terror have created an environment where fundamentalist ideologies find fertile ground.
Bangladesh has seen incidents of militant activity, including the rise of groups like the Islamic State (ISIS) and Al-Qaeda’s local affiliates. These organizations have targeted secular intellectuals, bloggers, and religious minorities in a bid to weaken the country’s secular identity.
Why Secularism Has Not Taken Root
Despite the challenges, Bangladesh remains constitutionally a secular country. However, secularism has not fully taken root for several reasons. First, political instability and the constant power struggles between political parties have hindered any consistent effort to implement secularism. The influence of Islamist political parties has made it difficult for mainstream parties to adopt policies that could marginalize religious extremism.
Second, the deep-rooted social and cultural ties to religion make it challenging for the country to embrace a fully secular identity. Religion plays a significant role in the lives of ordinary Bangladeshis, and many people continue to associate national identity with religious values.
Lastly, the manipulation of religion for political gain by successive governments has made it difficult for Bangladesh to forge a clear, secular path. The backing of religious parties has resulted in a fragmented political landscape where secularism has often been sidelined in favor of appeasing religious sentiments.
Conclusion
The rise of fundamentalism in Bangladesh is a complex issue rooted in historical, political, social, and global factors. Despite the country’s aspirations to be a secular democracy, the enduring influence of religious extremism has hindered its progress toward this goal. As Bangladesh moves forward, it will need to reconcile its rich cultural and religious heritage with the ideals of secularism in order to build a more inclusive and democratic future. The challenge lies in finding a balance that respects religious freedoms while ensuring that extremism does not undermine the country’s secular foundations.
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