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AS BANGLADESH navigates through a pivotal phase in its political and social transformation, the necessity of maintaining communal harmony has never been more critical. The country’s rich tradition of religious tolerance, once a shining example for the region, now faces the gravest threats in recent memory. The foundations of this harmony, deeply rooted in the Bengali cultural ethos and strengthened during the Liberation War of 1971, are under strain. The rise in communal violence, fuelled by political opportunism, extremist ideologies, and social media disinformation, has exposed dangerous fissures in the fabric of society. If these challenges are not addressed, they could not only destabilise the nation but also derail its aspirations for a just and inclusive democracy.

The time to act is now, while the nation’s conscience is still sensitive to the consequences of divisiveness and discrimination. The students’ movement, which recently shifted the dynamics of power, governance, and social inclusivity, has shown us the importance of collective effort in times of crisis. But as Bangladesh seeks to reform its political institutions and revive its social contracts, there is an urgent need for this transition to be anchored in the principles of communal harmony. Without this, no reform can be sustained, no democratic future secured, and no social progress guaranteed.

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Legacy worth preserving

BANGLADESH’S historical commitment to communal harmony is not just a reflection of secular ideology but a lived experience embedded in its cultural narrative. From ancient times, the people of Bengal, regardless of religious affiliation — Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or Christian — have shared the same soil, water, and sky, nurturing a collective identity that transcends narrow communal boundaries. This was dramatically reinforced during the Liberation War, when people from all faiths fought side by side to free the nation from the oppressive yoke of Pakistan, united by the dream of a secular, democratic Bangladesh. The Constitution of Bangladesh, drafted in the wake of independence, enshrined secularism as a foundational principle, reflecting the core values of a country determined to rise above the communal politics of the past.

The national poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam, often referred to as the ‘Rebel Poet,’ eloquently captured the spirit of this unity in his works. His timeless message of equality across religious divides resonates to this day, reminding us of the need to stand together in the face of any force that seeks to divide. The lines from his famous poem ring true: ‘There is nothing greater than man, nor is there anything great.’

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Fraying fabric

DESPITE this noble legacy, Bangladesh has witnessed a disturbing increase in communal violence in recent years. Extremists and opportunists have taken advantage of political instability to incite hatred and violence, often targeting religious minorities. The repeated arson attacks, vandalism of temples, and loss of innocent lives have painted a distressing picture of a society at war with itself. These incidents, while not reflective of the broader societal values of Bangladesh, threaten to erode the very foundation of the country’s harmony. The consequences of this violence, if not checked, could be catastrophic for the nation’s future, particularly at a time when the political environment is fragile and volatile.

The rise of communal violence is not just a series of isolated incidents but part of a larger pattern of religious extremism that has plagued the country since its inception. Today, the use of social media as a tool for spreading misinformation and inciting violence has exacerbated the problem. False rumors about alleged religious slights are often amplified online, leading to mob violence, destruction of property, and sometimes, loss of life. In one tragic instance, a simple post on Facebook led to the burning of several Hindu temples and homes, causing widespread fear and displacement in the affected communities.

Such acts of violence are not just morally reprehensible; they also undermine the country’s international reputation as a beacon of religious tolerance. For decades, Bangladesh has prided itself on its ability to maintain communal harmony in a region often marked by religious strife. Yet today, that image is at risk of being tarnished by the actions of a few extremists who exploit religious sentiments for their own gain.

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Political and social cost of division

AT THE heart of the issue lies the interplay between religion and politics. Right-wing political forces, both at home and abroad, have increasingly sought to capitalise on communal divisions to further their own agendas. In Bangladesh, the exploitation of religious identities for political gain is not a new phenomenon. However, the current political climate, marked by instability and uncertainty, has created fertile ground for extremists to sow discord. In some cases, the rise in communal violence appears to be orchestrated to destabilise the government, using religious identity as a tool for division.

The broader implications of this violence are far reaching. The country’s democratic aspirations are at stake, as communal divisions threaten to undermine the political transition and derail reforms that aim to build a more inclusive and just society. If Bangladesh cannot overcome these divisions, it risks falling into a cycle of violence, instability, and authoritarianism. This would not only shatter the dreams of the students’ movement that fought for reform but also betray the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for a secular, democratic Bangladesh in 1971.

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Students’ role in preserving harmony

ONE of the most remarkable aspects of Bangladesh’s recent political movements has been the role of students in shaping the discourse on governance, inclusivity, and justice. The students’ anti-discrimination movement, which inspired hope and optimism across the country, was rooted in the principles of equality and fairness. Their fight was not just for political reform but for the creation of a society where every citizen, regardless of their religion or ethnicity, would have equal rights and opportunities.

The students’ movement serves as a reminder of the power of unity and collective action. But it also highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting communal harmony during times of transition. The same forces that sought to suppress the students’ movement are now attempting to undermine the country’s social fabric by fuelling religious tensions. It is crucial that the lessons of the student-led struggle be applied to the fight for communal harmony, ensuring that the hard-won progress is not lost to the flames of religious violence.

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Building more resilient society

THE road to preserving communal harmony in Bangladesh will not be easy, but it is essential for the survival of the nation. The government must take decisive action to hold the perpetrators of communal violence accountable, ensuring that justice is served, regardless of political or religious affiliation. Religious leaders, too, must play an active role in promoting tolerance and understanding, using their platforms to denounce violence and preach the values of coexistence.

Education will be key to this effort. The promotion of digital literacy and critical thinking is crucial in preventing the spread of misinformation on social media, which has been a major driver of recent violence. Schools, religious institutions, and civil society organisations must work together to promote a culture of peace, teaching the younger generation the values of mutual respect and understanding.

Bangladesh can also draw inspiration from its own communities, where symbols of communal harmony still thrive. In places like Juri upazila, mosques and temples stand side by side, embodying the true spirit of unity. These examples should be celebrated and emulated across the country, serving as beacons of hope in a time of uncertainty.

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Call for unity

AS BANGLADESH transitions towards a new political order, the importance of maintaining communal harmony cannot be overstated. The forces of extremism and division will continue to challenge the nation’s peace, but with vigilance, unity, and a commitment to justice, Bangladesh can overcome these challenges. The dream of a secular, democratic nation, envisioned by the freedom fighters of 1971, is still within reach — if the country stands together against those who seek to tear it apart.

In the words of Audre Lorde, ‘Revolution is not a one-time event.’ If Bangladesh is to achieve true revolution — social, political, and cultural — it must ensure that its foundation of communal harmony remains intact. Only then can the nation move forward, united in its diversity, toward a future of peace and progress.

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HM Nazmul Alam is a teacher at the English and modern languages department at the International University of Business, Agriculture, and Technology.