Nation-Building After Independence
- Bangladesh emerged from the 1971 Liberation War facing the urgent tasks of reconstructing a devastated country, creating new institutions and forming a unified national identity.
- The country faced destroyed infrastructure, millions of displaced people and widespread famine risk.
- Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (Mujib) became the founding leader, emphasizing secularism, socialism and democracy.
- Weak administrative capacity, food shortages and dependence on foreign aid slowed early progress.
- The government struggled to reintegrate refugees and rebuild transport, agriculture and banking.
- Rising political factionalism and economic crisis strained the new state.
Case study
Mujib’s Founding Policies (1972–1975)
Objectives and Reforms
- Mujib introduced a new constitution (1972) based on democracy, secularism and socialism.
- The government nationalized major industries and banks to centralize control.
- Land reforms aimed to support peasants and reduce rural inequality.
- Efforts were made to create a unified civil service and strong national institutions.
- Mujib sought to reduce religious divisions by emphasizing Bengali identity.
Challenges and Consequences
- Economic mismanagement, food shortages and corruption weakened public trust.
- The 1974 famine led to rising anger against the government.
- Mujib established a one-party system under BAKSAL, limiting political freedoms.
- Political unrest increased, culminating in Mujib’s assassination in 1975.
- Bangladesh entered a period of instability marked by military coups.
Definition
Secularism
- The principle of separating religion from state affairs, ensuring equal treatment of all faiths.
Definition
Nationalization
- When a government takes control of private industries or property, usually to strengthen national sovereignty.
Political Developments and Military Rule
- Bangladesh underwent prolonged military intervention in politics, shaping governance, security and national identity.
- After Mujib’s death, a series of coups created political turmoil and leadership struggles.
- General Ziaur Rahman (Zia) emerged as a prominent leader, promoting political restructuring and economic reform.
- Zia emphasized Bangladeshi nationalism, shifting identity from Bengali culture to a more Islamic-influenced narrative.
- The military gained strong influence over state institutions and political decision-making.
- Democracy returned intermittently, but remained fragile due to competing political factions.
Case study
Ziaur Rahman’s Political Reorientation (1975–1981)
Rebuilding Political Authority
- Zia lifted parts of martial law and allowed multi-party politics to resume.
- He established the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to consolidate political support.
- Zia redefined national identity by inserting Islamic elements into the constitution.
- He expanded local government to strengthen political participation.
- His leadership created new political alliances across rural areas.
Long-Term Effects
- His policies weakened the original secular foundations of the state.
- Political rivalry between BNP and Awami League intensified.
- Military influence remained strong even after Zia’s assassination in 1981.
- The ideological shift contributed to long-term polarization in Bangladesh.
- Zia’s reforms shaped political competition for decades.
Definition
Martial law
Temporary military control of government due to crisis.
Definition
BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party)
Major political party established by Ziaur Rahman.
Economic and Social Developments
- Bangladesh faced persistent challenges related to poverty, natural disasters and limited industrial capacity, but gradually improved through economic diversification and social reform.
- The economy struggled with low per-capita income, dependence on agriculture and frequent cyclones and floods.
- Under General Ershad (1982–1990) and later democratic governments, efforts were made to expand manufacturing.
- The ready-made garment (RMG) industry became Bangladesh’s largest export sector.
- NGOs like BRAC and Grameen Bank pioneered microfinance and rural development programs.
- Social challenges included gender inequality, overpopulation and poor healthcare infrastructure.
Case study
Growth of the Garment Industry (1980s–1990s)
Drivers of Economic Change
- Low labor costs attracted foreign investment in garment factories.
- Export Processing Zones (EPZs) were established to support industrial production.
- The government partnered with international buyers to integrate into the global market.
- Rural women entered the workforce in large numbers, transforming gender roles.
- Global demand accelerated rapid factory expansion.
Social and Economic Effects
- The RMG sector became the backbone of the economy, reducing extreme poverty.
- Women’s labor participation improved household income and social mobility.
- Poor working conditions and factory safety issues created new social challenges.
- Economic growth remained vulnerable to global market changes.
- The industry shaped Bangladesh’s modern identity as a manufacturing economy.
Common Mistake
- Overlooking the significance of Mujib’s early reforms and their impact on political instability.
- Treating Bangladesh’s development as linear instead of shaped by military rule and policy reversals.
- Ignoring the crucial role of the garment industry and NGOs in long-term economic change.
Exam technique
- Use Mujib’s policies, Zia’s political shifts and RMG growth as core evidence.
- Compare different leadership eras to show continuity and change in national identity.
- Explain how economic development and political instability influenced each other.
Theory of Knowledge
- How does national identity evolve after violent independence?
- Do economic hardships shape political legitimacy differently in developing countries?
- How does historical memory influence judgments about military versus civilian rule?
Self review
- Assess the challenges faced by Bangladesh in building a new nation after 1971.
- Examine the political developments in Bangladesh between 1975 and 1991.
- To what extent did economic reforms transform Bangladesh’s social and economic conditions?
