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OVER five decades after its independence, Bangladesh faces a critical inflection point. The legacy of the 1971 liberation war, founded on sacrifice and resilience, remains the cornerstone of its national identity. However, the rhetoric of sacrifice — once vital during an existential struggle — has devolved into a political tool that distracts from the country’s most pressing challenges and undermines its future. At a time when Bangladesh is poised to play a pivotal role in South Asia’s economic and geopolitical landscape, reliance on populist narratives threatens to squander its potential.

The government’s recent reaction to Narendra Modi’s remarks about 1971 illustrates this troubling trend. Rather than using this moment¬ — especially following the 2024 student-public uprising — to articulate Bangladesh’s nuanced history and assert its sovereignty with confidence, advisers and politicians resorted to emotional indignation and symbolic posturing. The reckless act of redrawing maps to include Indian territories not only undermined Bangladesh’s credibility but also revealed a troubling disconnect from the realities of diplomacy and global norms. Such moves alienate regional allies like India and weaken Bangladesh’s position in a region increasingly defined by interdependence.

Bangladesh’s history offers a powerful narrative of resilience and agency. The nine-month liberation struggle was a people’s movement, characterised by extraordinary courage and sacrifice. India’s military intervention from December 3 to December 16 played a decisive role in defeating Pakistani forces, but the foundations of Bangladesh’s independence were laid by its people long before. Acknowledging this duality does not diminish the nation’s achievements. On the contrary, it highlights a collaborative victory that aligns with the principles of strategic partnership and mutual respect.

Yet, instead of embracing this historical complexity, the government’s populist rhetoric reduces it to simplistic appeals that undermine national and regional progress. The renewed emphasis on sacrifice rhetoric is particularly concerning. While sacrifice was essential during the liberation war, its invocation today reflects governance failures rather than patriotic ideals. Modern leadership should prioritise protecting citizens and fostering their well-being, not demanding sacrifice as a distraction from systemic shortcomings.

This rhetoric perpetuates a culture of martyrdom that treats human lives as expendable in service of abstract ideals. Leaders use it to deflect attention from critical issues such as unemployment, institutional weaknesses, and economic vulnerabilities. For example, Bangladesh faces an increase in educated but unemployed citizens and widespread institutional inefficiencies, yet its leadership continues to divert attention to symbolic narratives instead of addressing these challenges through practical policy reforms. Systemic corruption remains entrenched and undermines public trust while stalling progress on essential issues like justice for the victims of the unresolved July-August massacre.

The glorification of sacrifice also discourages critical discourse and accountability. Emotional appeals overshadow reason and create an environment where loyalty takes precedence over meaningful public engagement. Citizens are urged to accept sacrifice as a substitute for progress, which weakens democratic processes and leaves governance failures unchallenged. True leadership inspires trust through competence and tangible results, not through appeals to outdated ideals of martyrdom.

This rhetoric is particularly harmful to the younger generation, who are often its primary targets. Burdened with ideological narratives, they are drawn into emotionally charged debates that prioritise symbolic gestures over practical solutions. For instance, student activists often echo themes of nationalism and sacrifice but lack pathways to meaningful participation in governance or policymaking. Instead of equipping young people with tools for critical engagement, this narrative traps them in a cycle of emotionalism and unproductive activism. Bangladesh’s youth deserve a future shaped by opportunity, reason, and pragmatic solutions, not empty promises rooted in the past.

At the same time, Bangladesh’s reliance on populist narratives is diverting focus from the most urgent threats to its stability and progress. Climate change presents an existential challenge, with rising sea levels and intensified natural disasters threatening millions of lives and livelihoods. Economic vulnerabilities, exacerbated by global disruptions, demand immediate attention to build resilience. However, instead of addressing these pressing concerns, leadership remains consumed by ideological posturing and short-term populist gains.

To fulfil its potential, Bangladesh must pivot from populism to pragmatism. Its path forward requires tangible reforms that address systemic inefficiencies and invest in long-term growth. Large-scale job creation programmes, focused on sectors like green energy and digital innovation, could provide opportunities for the unemployed while positioning the country as a leader in sustainable development. Strengthening institutions to ensure justice, accountability, and transparency is essential for restoring public trust. Climate adaptation must become a national priority, with efforts to secure international funding for disaster preparedness and resilience-building projects.

Reexamining the historical narrative of 1971 has the potential to strengthen Bangladesh’s national identity and enhance its global standing. Recognising India’s contributions during the final stages of the war complements rather than undermines Bangladesh’s sovereignty while it highlights the value of strategic alliances in achieving liberation. The withdrawal of Indian forces after December 16, 1971, marked the definitive transition to full sovereignty and solidified Bangladesh’s narrative of resilience and self-reliance. By acknowledging this milestone as the true culmination of independence, Bangladesh can celebrate its unique journey while cultivating pride in its collaborative efforts. Such a balanced interpretation not only deepens national pride but also establishes a foundation for constructive regional cooperation rooted in mutual respect and shared history.

Bangladesh’s strategic location in South Asia makes its stability and progress vital to the region’s future. It is a natural bridge between South and Southeast Asia, a gateway to global markets, and a critical player in regional initiatives such as the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). By focusing on reforms, Bangladesh can strengthen its position as a reliable partner in regional trade, security, and climate action.

The stakes for Bangladesh could not be higher. At this critical juncture, the nation must choose between clinging to populist distractions or embracing a forward-looking vision of governance. Leadership must reject hollow rhetoric and prioritise solutions that empower citizens to thrive. True patriotism lies in building a system that values human lives, furthers economic opportunities, and prepares the country for the challenges of the 21st century.

Bangladesh’s journey since 1971 is a story of resilience, determination, and promise. To honour that legacy, the nation must rise to meet its current challenges with purpose and clarity. By prioritising accountability, transparency, and reforms, Bangladesh can secure its place as a stable, prosperous leader in South Asia — a nation that turns its potential into progress and its aspirations into reality.

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Dr Kazi ASM Nurul Huda is an associate professor of philosophy at the University of Dhaka.