International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research

Authors
Pawan Kumar

Abstract
The article "Role of Identity in Bangladesh Nation-Building" examines how identity has played a crucial role in shaping the nation-building process in Bangladesh. The article highlights that the Bengali identity, which had been suppressed during East Pakistan, was reclaimed and celebrated as the foundation of the country's national identity after the 1971 War of Independence. The Bengali language, culture and history were recognised as the core elements of the country's identity. Additionally, the Muslim identity played an important role in shaping the country's national identity. Bangladesh is an overwhelmingly Muslim country, and Islam has been an integral part of the country's culture and society. Furthermore, the article examines the country’s challenges in the nation-building process, particularly the rise of extremism and the emergence of extremist groups and political parties. The government has had to take measures to counter these threats while also ensuring that the rights and interests of all groups within the country are protected. Additionally, the article also examines the period of General Zia's rule and how it challenged the earlier concept of secularism and emphasised the central role of Islam in nationalist ideologies. It also highlights how the government's idea of secularism and the understanding of the national identity in terms of the Bengali linguistic identity have been experiencing challenges from terrorism, extremism and communalism. In the 2000s, there have been severe conflicts over defining the national identity of Bangladesh. While Awami League, headed by Mujibur Rahman's daughter Sheikh Hassina identifies Bangladesh to be primarily a secular state with the Bengali language as its prime identity, on the other hand, extreme forces like that of BNP have been in favour of defining the national identity more in terms of Islamic religious forces. The article concludes that the role of identity in nation-building is a critical aspect of any country's development, and this is particularly true for Bangladesh.