The more Bangladesh instils in its future generations the value of collective efforts for the common good, the more cohesive the society will become, reducing the appeal of ideological extremism, writes Tanbir Uddin Arman
WITH the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime, Bangladesh stands at a crossroads. The political landscape, long dominated by polarising forces, now risks descending into yet another cold war 鈥� a battle between the ideological extremes of the left and the right. The tug-of-war between these opposing sides has the potential to further destabilise the country, diverting attention away from the urgent need to address pressing socio-economic challenges and undermining the broader goal of national unity and political consensus.
The resurgence of ideological conflict in Bangladesh is nothing new. Still, with Hasina鈥檚 fall, this has taken on a whole new level of intensity. The fall of the Hasina regime has created a vacuum that is very fertile ground for ideological extremism. The left, motivated by ideals of secularism and egalitarianism, versus the right, championing traditional values and religious identity, are in a no-holds-barred battle for ideological supremacy. While the left sees this moment as an opportunity to push for sweeping reforms and entrench secularism, the right is determined to reassert its influence, particularly in the realms of cultural and religious identity. It is a fight for the soul of Bangladesh that is being vociferously waged not just in the corridors of power but also on the streets, in universities, and across social media platforms, fostering division and hostility.
Both the left and the right have taken to social media in the last several weeks to spew hatred against each other and cause divisions. There are reports of a significant uptick in hate content, disinformation and incendiary rhetoric on platforms like Facebook and YouTube. This digital warfare adds not just decibels to existing tensions but also introduces newer fault lines, making it even more difficult for the nation to find common ground on issues of national interest.
The ongoing debate over the national anthem 鈥� whether to uphold the traditional version penned by Rabindranath Tagore or to adopt an alternative that aligns more closely with nationalist sentiments 鈥� has sparked widespread controversy. This reflects deeper cultural and ideological divides. Similarly, the recent appointment of the new director general of Shilpakala Academy has been widely criticised by the right-wing as a 鈥榮ecularist and westernising鈥� move on national culture, underscoring the tensions between the opposing ideological factions. The debate is essentially a microcosm of the ongoing struggle over national identity and the cultural direction of Bangladesh in the post-Hasina era.
These polarising issues detract from the real needs of the nation. Bangladesh faces critical challenges including democratic reforms, economic recovery, climate change resilience, and social cohesion that require an inclusive approach. Chief adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has consistently underscored the importance of inclusivity in building a more equitable and cohesive society. But the ideological battle between left and right risks sidelining these urgent issues, with political actors becoming more focused on defeating their rivals than serving the interests of the nation.
Fracas has occurred between the two groups, representing diverse political ideologies. This is a manifestation of the greater trend of intolerance and hostility. Should such polarisation persist, divisiveness will reduce the country to fragments, leading to political paralysis and social unrest. To break free from this vicious cycle of divisiveness, the country needs to revitalise centrism 鈥� an approach that prioritises pragmatic governance, national unity and inclusive development. Centrism has a way forward that does not lean towards extreme measures from either the left or the right but tends to fall between the two poles in pursuit of policies that help citizens and build a sense of common purpose. This calls for political leadership that can look beyond partisan interests and choose national good over ideological purity.
Similarly, reviving Bangladeshi nationalism is of much importance. Bangladeshi nationalism is about the shared values and aspirations that bind together the diverse populace of the country. It is rooted in the history of the struggle for independence, which brought people from all walks of life together for the same purpose. Reaffirming this sense of nationalism requires embracing cultural, linguistic and historical ties that bind the nation together while at the same time recognising and respecting its diversity. A renewed focus on Bangladeshi nationalism should not be about exclusion or division but about inclusion and unity.
This requires a deliberate effort to create a more inclusive narrative that reflects the aspirations of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations or beliefs. Educational institutions, media and public discourse all play a role in shaping a narrative that emphasises the commonalities that unite the nation over the differences that divide it. Inclusive and constructive dialogue is urgently needed to bring the two sides closer. Political leaders, civil society and citizens must come together in forums that encourage open discussion and the exchange of ideas. This dialogue should focus on finding common ground and developing solutions to the country鈥檚 most pressing challenges.
Strong, independent judiciary, a free press, and a robust civil society are important to ensure that centrism and national unity prevail. Strengthening these institutions can act as a bulwark against the extremes of the left and the right. This would help ensure that Bangladesh鈥檚 democracy is resilient and responsive to the needs of its people. The civic education that upholds democratic values, tolerance and national unity can also play a pivotal role in countering the growing polarisation. The more Bangladesh instils in its future generations the value of collective efforts for the common good, the more cohesive the society will become, reducing the appeal of ideological extremism.
Furthermore, the government should prioritise policies that address common issues affecting all citizens, such as economic development, healthcare, education and environmental sustainability. Experts warn that by 2050, rising sea levels are expected to claim 17 per cent of Bangladesh鈥檚 land area, resulting in the loss of 30 per cent of the country鈥檚 agricultural land. This would displace millions of people, disrupt food security and exacerbate climate-induced migration, particularly in the densely populated coastal regions. Therefore, the need for inclusivity and national unity cannot be emphasised enough. By focusing on practical solutions that better the lives of people, the country can demonstrate that centrism is not just a point of view but a pathway to concrete gains for the entire nation.
The time to act is now, before today鈥檚 divisions escalate into tomorrow鈥檚 conflicts.
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Tanbir Uddin Arman is a political analyst and commentator. He works with a Danish non-profit organisation in East and Central Africa.
