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.
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.
