Preserving the Legacy of Bangladesh
The desecration of national symbols that represent a country’s independence is not just an act of vandalism; it is a profound betrayal that damages the nation’s honour and cultural heritage. In a democracy, freedom of speech is fundamental, but when protests cross the line into the destruction of a nation’s history, it becomes an assault on the very essence of that freedom. The sacrifices of those who fought for independence deserve to be honoured, not defaced, and the legacy they left behind must be preserved with utmost care.
Recent events in Bangladesh, where young people participated in the destruction of their own historical symbols, are particularly distressing. Such actions do not just erase physical monuments; they threaten to wipe out the cultural identity and historical legacy that define a nation. Future generations will not easily forgive this negligence, and it is critical that we safeguard our history, no matter the challenges we face.
Global Lessons in the Vandalization of History
Throughout modern history, we have seen the devastating impact of cultural and historical destruction. For instance, the 1950 invasion of Tibet by China led to the suppression of Tibetan culture, religion, and language, with many historical monasteries destroyed. In Iraq, the 2003 destruction of ancient sites like Babylon and museums resulted in the loss of priceless artifacts. The Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979) targeted intellectuals, artists, and religious figures, leading to the near-eradication of Cambodian cultural heritage. Similarly, several other countries have experienced the loss of culture and history due to violence, often resulting from internal conflict rather than external conquest.
Bangladesh, with its rich cultural heritage and history of a valiant struggle for independence, must take special care to protect these symbols, even in the midst of political upheaval or protests against human rights abuses. These are not mere relics but embodiments of the nation’s identity and pride. During protests, the cultural and historical symbols that define the country should never be targeted or desecrated. Such acts are a profound sin against the nation.
Mindless Destruction
Unfortunately, one of Bangladesh’s most significant sites, the historic residence of the Father of the Nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was not spared from the recent unrest. This residence, which had been transformed into a museum deeply symbolic of Bangladesh’s struggle, was set ablaze by a mob. This distressing act underscores the vulnerability of even the most sacred national monuments.
Last week, as unrest swept through the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, horrifying videos emerged showing vehicles in flames, homes of ruling Awami League leaders being vandalized, and minorities and their properties targeted. Among the tragic incidents was the torching of the museum dedicated to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1975 and remains the most revered leader in the country’s history.
The video showing young protestors wandering around the grounds, seemingly collecting anything they could lay their hands on. Pictures show half-burnt bags, hanging handmade paintings, burnt books, and handwritten letters scattered on the ground. In another scene, dozens of old VHS tapes, presumably from the museum’s archives, lie broken and trampled underfoot. These tapes likely held priceless recordings of cultural events and historical moments, now lost to senseless violence.
The violence did not stop at the cultural centre or museum; it also extended to the properties of minorities. Several houses and shops belonging to prominent Hindu families were vandalized and looted by the mob but no deaths. The ISKCON centre in Meherpur was not spared either, with the sacred deities of Lord Jagannath, Baladev, and Subhadra Devi destroyed in the fire.
The human rights record of the Bangladesh police has been so dismal that when protests turned into massive, uncontrollable waves, the police and security guards stationed at historical and heritage buildings were the first to flee. This lack of protection allowed thousands of people to break into these sites, looting and celebrating on the adjacent streets. Social media clips showed protestors jubilantly celebrating, unaware that they were, in fact, celebrating the destruction of their own struggle and the desecration of their hard-won achievements.
The Interim Government’s Role in Restoring Order
Now, with the interim government in place, there is a great deal of expectation. On August 8, 2024, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was officially sworn in as the chief advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government. The ceremony was attended by prominent leaders of the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), but conspicuously absent were any representatives from the Awami League.
The student-led protests had strongly opposed a military-led government and pushed for Yunus to steer the nation during this critical transitional period. Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, key figures in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, have been appointed to the 16-member advisory council of Bangladesh’s interim government. Though the council does not include representatives from any political parties, the influence of the BNP and the military is evident.
In his first address, Yunus urged calm and an end to the violence that has claimed at least 455 lives in recent weeks. He called on the nation to “be calm and get ready to build the country,” hinting at his intentions to hold elections “within a few months.”
Yunus’ return comes just three days after the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, during which lawlessness prevailed and police went on strike. Washington has expressed its support for the interim government under Yunus’ leadership, with State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller stressing the importance of upholding democratic principles, the rule of law, and the will of the Bangladeshi people. China has also shown its willingness to work with the caretaker government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus upon assuming his new role. Modi expressed hope for a swift return to normalcy in Bangladesh, underscoring the importance of ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all minority communities. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to working with Bangladesh to achieve the shared goals of peace, security, and development for both nations. Modi’s message on X (formerly Twitter) read, “My best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on the assumption of his new responsibilities. We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities. India remains committed to working with Bangladesh to fulfil the shared aspirations of both our peoples for peace, security, and development.”
Challenges Ahead for Bangladesh’s Democracy
As Muhammad Yunus steps in to lead the interim government, he is perhaps the country’s most internationally recognized figure. The leaders of the movement that ousted Hasina are hopeful that democracy can now be restored, but this may prove to be a challenging task. The BNP, which is likely to play a significant role in the future government, has a poor track record on human rights and democracy, and is dependent on hardliner organizations. The unrest has also emboldened Islamist extremists, who have taken advantage of the chaos to stage attacks against Awami League supporters and engage in widespread vandalism of scattered Hindu houses and businesses across Bangladesh.
Moreover, Bangladesh’s army, which had largely remained out of politics since 2008, is now covertly overseeing the situation. Their role in the formation of the interim government is evident, and the military is expected to play a significant role in maintaining law and order. If media reports are to be believed, Bangladesh’s army chief informed Sheikh Hasina that he would no longer enforce her lockdown orders. Shortly afterward, her son convinced her to step down, leading to her departure to India, marking the end of her controversial rule.
For India, the situation in Bangladesh is one of concern, particularly regarding the safety of minority communities. In response to the escalating violence against minority communities in Bangladesh, the Government of India has constituted a high-level committee to monitor the situation along the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB). The committee is tasked with maintaining communication with Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of Indian citizens and minority communities in Bangladesh. The committee will be led by the Additional Director General of the Border Security Force, Eastern Command.
The future of Bangladesh’s democracy is uncertain, and the road ahead is fraught with challenges. However, the international community, led by India, remains hopeful that Yunus can guide the nation through this turbulent period.
The Historical Context of Bangladesh’s Political Struggles
Bangladesh has a tumultuous history marked by both heroic struggles for independence and periods of intense political strife. The country was born out of a war in 1971, with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, widely known as the Father of the Nation, leading the fight for independence from Pakistan. However, tragedy struck in 1975 when Mujibur Rahman was assassinated in a military coup that also claimed most of his family. Sheikh Hasina, his daughter, survived only because she was abroad at the time. Determined to carry on her father’s legacy, she returned to Bangladesh in 1981 to lead the Awami League, the party that had been instrumental in the country’s independence.
Hasina became a strong advocate for the restoration of democracy during the military rule that followed the coup. She played a key role in the 1990 movement that led to the resignation of Bangladesh’s last military leader, Hussain Muhammad Ershad. Despite her efforts, she lost the 1991 national elections to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Khaleda Zia, the widow of Ziaur Rahman, a military leader and president who had taken power after the assassination of Mujibur Rahman.
The rivalry between the BNP and the Awami League defined Bangladeshi politics for decades. This rivalry was not just political but deeply personal, rooted in the two leaders’ very different views of Bangladesh’s history and identity. Khaleda Zia’s government was marked by accusations of corruption and human rights abuses, leading to widespread discontent. Hasina capitalized on this discontent and led the Awami League to a victory in the 2008 elections.
Hasina’s subsequent years in power were marked by significant economic growth and infrastructure development. However, her government faced accusations of authoritarianism, particularly in its handling of dissent. The Awami League’s dominance in politics was challenged by allegations of human rights abuses, suppression of political opposition, and the controversial use of the Digital Security Act to stifle free speech.
In recent years, the political climate in Bangladesh became increasingly tense, with the BNP boycotting the 2014 and 2018 general elections. Hasina’s government was accused of rigging elections, leading to widespread protests. The tension reached a boiling point in 2024, culminating in the recent unrest that forced Hasina to step down and the formation of an interim government under Muhammad Yunus.
This current period of transition in Bangladesh is not just a political change but a pivotal moment in the country’s history. The actions taken by the interim government, the international community’s response, and the conduct of future elections will all play crucial roles in determining whether Bangladesh can emerge from this crisis as a stronger, more democratic nation.
Surinder Singh Oberoi, National Editor Greater Kashmir
