The question of how free Bangladesh truly is remains a pertinent issue, evidenced by the fact that the Bengali language is yet to become universal across all classes of society. Even the celebration of Bengali New Year, Pohela Boishakh, remains largely a privilege of the affluent, leaving the underprivileged excluded from the festivities.
For the impoverished, the arrival of the Bengali New Year doesn’t bring joy or renewal. Instead, it signals harsh weather and the relentless toil of survival. Their mornings are marked by anxiety about the blazing sun rather than the promise of a new dawn. Meanwhile, the elite and powerful often gravitate towards celebrating the English New Year, showcasing the divide between the privileged and the common people. This disparity underscores the detachment of ordinary citizens from state power, a scenario that casts doubt on the realization of true independence, let alone freedom.
Bangladesh’s cultural and economic future seems fraught with challenges. Poverty-stricken and culturally besieged, the nation’s socioeconomic framework struggles to uphold the ideals of equality and inclusion. Despite this, one resounding message reverberates through time: “Do not surrender. Stand united and resist.” Unity is the only way forward, as individual efforts alone cannot achieve systemic change.
Cultural and Historical Advocates of Secularism
Prominent Bengali luminaries such as Raja Rammohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and many others have consistently championed Bengali identity, rejecting imperialistic domination. They have articulated the spirit of secularism, even under colonial rule, shaping a legacy of cultural and intellectual resistance.
This secular spirit was integral to the liberation war of 1971. The foundational ethos of the independence movement was secularism, which rejected the theocratic agenda of Pakistani forces. The liberation struggle began with the language movement of 1952 and culminated in the war for independence, driven by the collective demand for justice, equality, and the eradication of communal divisions.
The Incomplete Realization of Secularism
Unfortunately, secularism as a guiding principle has not been fully institutionalized in Bangladesh. While communal violence may have reduced, religion remains a significant tool in political discourse. The political exploitation of religion undermines the secular vision enshrined in the Liberation War. The leadership’s failure to uphold secularism has left ordinary citizens disillusioned.
People turn to religion for solace and justice, not because they conflate it with governance but because state institutions often fail them. The average citizen seeks livelihood and dignity in daily labor, with little faith in systems of law and order. They know that religious figures, despite their goodwill, lack the authority to address systemic injustices or curb corruption.
Leadership’s Role in Secularism
Historically, leadership has been a barrier rather than a bridge to secularism. The Muslim League, which spearheaded Pakistan’s creation, was founded on religious nationalism. Even the Awami Muslim League, which later evolved into the secular Awami League, initially retained its religious underpinnings. It was only through the language movement and subsequent political victories that the party gradually embraced secular ideals. However, this shift was incomplete, as many leaders carried the legacy of communal politics into the post-independence era.
Bangladesh’s leadership must bridge the gap between the people’s secular instincts and the state’s policies. The nation’s citizens have repeatedly demonstrated their secular values through their actions, whether during the elections of 1946 or 1970. However, the persistence of communal politics at the leadership level undermines this democratic ethos.
The Path Forward
For secularism to thrive, leadership must rise above short-term political gains and work to dismantle the systemic exploitation of religion in politics. A robust and inclusive state that guarantees justice, economic opportunity, and cultural freedom can displace the need for religious refuge in governance. The people of Bangladesh have already proven their commitment to secularism through their struggles and sacrifices. It is now the leadership’s turn to honor that legacy by institutionalizing the secular ideals that were the foundation of the nation’s birth.