Bangladesh’s adherence to the core principles since independence
Bangladesh is preparing to commemorate its 54th Independence Day on 26 March,2024, which is not only a historic occasion but also evidence of the countrys unwavering commitment to its traits associated with democracy, secularism, nationalism, human rights, freedom of speech, and communal harmony etc. adopting the core national principles. Bangladesh was founded in 1971 and has overcome many obstacles to become a nation dedicated to promoting diversity and maintaining democratic values. Bangladesh, which was formerly a ottomless basket case., has become an economic miracle because of its fundamental tenets.
At the end of his historic March 7, 1971, proclamation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation, asked for both independence and liberation, therefore encapsulating his vision for Bangladesh before the people. The difference between the fight for independence and the fight for liberation has been critical for not only Bangladesh but also for every nation around the world.
This is conceivable that Bangabandhu understood the distinction better. He envisioned the fight for independence as a fight for the creation of a sovereign nation state, a goal that was easier for people to understand and which served as inspiration for other country states fighting to free themselves from colonial control. However, his demand for liberation was more subtle, and hence, more comprehensive. It took the fight beyond the goal of achieving independence and toward the more revolutionary goal of releasing the people from the centuries-long injustices meted out to the common people of Bangladesh as well as from the unfair tyranny of Pakistani control.
In the end, Bangabandhus dedication to and fight for independence led to the establishment of an independent Bangladesh. Over the next fifty four years, we overcame the trauma of our bloodstained birth and, particularly under the astute leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangabandhus capable eldest daughter; we significantly improved the countrys economic fortunes, underwent a remarkable social transformation, and rearranged our place in a more globalized world order.
In the process of creating a nation state, Bangabandhu outlined his vision for bringing our liberation struggle to fruition through the four pillars – democracy, nationalism, secularism, and socialism that were presented to the country in less than a year after liberation. These four are still considered to be the national core principles of the country.
Bangladeshs identity is centered on democracy, which stands for the goals of its people-freedom, justice, and self-determination. Bangladeshs trajectory has been inextricably linked to the fight for democracy, from its ascent to independence to its continuous attempts to fortify democratic institutions and procedures. Bangladesh had episodes of political unrest, including military takeovers and authoritarian governance, in the early years of its independence. But in the end, democracy was restored in the early 1990s. Since then, Bangladesh has made great strides in strengthening its democratic foundations, with an open media, a thriving civil society, and frequent elections all playing crucial roles in determining the democratic landscape of the nation.
As Bangladesh approaches the 54th anniversary of its independence, strengthening democratic principles and making sure that all societal groups actively participate in decision-making are of utmost importance. The persistent spirit of democracy that characterizes Bangladeshs path is reflected in the ongoing advocacy for more openness, accountability, and inclusion in government by civil society groups, political parties, and grassroots movements.
Bangladeshs character as a pluralistic and diverse nation is fundamentally based on secularism. Bangladesh is a country with a majority of Muslims, yet its constitution upholds secularism, ensuring that people of all religious origins have equal rights and opportunities. The legal system of the country, which forbids discrimination based on religion, reflects this dedication to secularism. Bangladeshs cultural legacy, which celebrates and preserves traditions and rituals from many religious and ethnic groupings, is another example of the countrys secular attitude. The countrys thriving literary, musical, and artistic scenes showcase its diverse cultural fabric, bridging gaps in religion and ethnicity to bring people together via a common history.
In Bangladesh, a nation with a heterogeneous religious and ethnic population, communal harmony is highly valued. The country has worked to promote peaceful coexistence between its minority religious populations-Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists-and its majority Muslim people, despite occasional difficulties. Regretfully, a small number of malicious groups constantly attempt to destroy this unity among the community. With the rise of social media in recent years, we have witnessed several such conspiracies. While its true that over 90% of Bangladeshs population is Muslim, its equally critical to hold the belief that religious freedom is protected by both the nations leaders and its general populace, and that any plot to undermine Bangladeshs harmonious communities will be thwarted.
Bangladeshs history is infused with nationalism, or the passionate love of ones country. This unbreakable spirit was demonstrated in the 1971 war for independence from Pakistan. In Bangladesh, nationalism is more than just a matter of borders. It includes the diverse cultural fabric that unites its people. Furthermore, nationalism is closely associated here with the goal of equality and social justice. In addition to being a fight for independence, the Liberation War also sought socioeconomic freedom. The nationalist narrative grew entwined with socialist values, emphasizing the fair sharing of opportunities and resources. The idea of Bangabandhus vision, which represented an inclusive and united attitude, set the groundwork for a society in which every individual has the chance to prosper.
Bangladeshs dedication to elevating the neglected and vulnerable parts of society is emphasized by the use of socialism as a guiding concept. To guarantee that no citizen is left behind, the government places a high priority on social welfare, healthcare, education, and poverty reduction. Furthermore, Bangladesh embraces a mixed economy that strikes a balance between government involvement and private industry in its pragmatic approach to socialism. The state and private sectors mutually beneficial collaboration has been the driving force behind Bangladeshs impressive economic progress and its transformation into a regional economic powerhouse.
Bangladesh also actively participates in international forums and projects targeted at tackling global issues like poverty, climate change, and humanitarian disasters, demonstrating its commitment to socialism even outside its boundaries. The countrys support of international cooperation and solidarity is demonstrated by its contributions to UN peacekeeping deployments, disaster relief efforts, and advocacy for the rights of disadvantaged people. These efforts compliment the core principles of the nation.
Over time, international organizations and Bangladeshs development partners have praised the countrys economic success. Bangladesh will leave the group of least developed nations (LDC) in 2026, per a decision made by the UN General Assembly. However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a global financial institution that keeps a close eye on global macroeconomic conditions, has stated that Bangladeshs economic growth could surpass that of China and India. These statements demonstrate that Bangladesh, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is moving closer to fulfilling its “Vision 2041”.
Bangladesh, as a developing country, has done well thus far. Nonetheless, the government must consider sustainability over a 100-year period, not simply 10 or 20 years. To establish itself as a developed country, Bangladeshs untapped resources and fresh potential must be utilized promptly, and young generations participation in the broader development process will remain critical to ensuring continuous and sustainable success. Most significantly, the people of Bangladesh and its leadership must adhere to the guiding principles that have served as the foundation for the countrys growth thus far, guiding both internal and foreign policy, particularly in this period of globalization and transnational corporate practices.
We hope, Bangladesh continues on its path of growth and prosperity while celebrating its 54th Independence Day renewing its commitment to create a society based on the core ideals as that will enhance and fasten our growth and prosperity.
The writer is Chief Editor at Mohammadi News Agency (MNA) and Editor at Kishore Bangla