University of Dhaka Associate Professor Shafi Md Mostofa argues that as Bangladesh transitions from authoritarian rule to a more inclusive society, the BNP must embrace this opportunity to foster unity amid diversity.
By Dr Shafi Md Mostofa
According to University of Dhaka Associate Professor Shafi Md Mostofa the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year rule in August 2024 marked a turning point for Bangladesh. The student-led revolution dismantled an authoritarian regime and opened the door to a redefined national identity that embraces multiculturalism over the previous framework of Bengali nationalism. This shift has set Bangladesh on a path toward greater inclusivity.
Mostofa sees this movement toward inclusivity as part of a broader trend in Bangladesh, where governance must increasingly contend with diverse faiths, languages, and cultural backgrounds. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), now the country’s most popular political force, faces the challenge of navigating this new post-revolution landscape.
While the BNP’s resilience under Hasina reflects its wide appeal, the party will also need to address the shifting expectations of a populace eager for inclusivity, justice, and a true democratic framework.
Bangladesh’s political history has long balanced progressive nationalism with religious traditionalism—a duality that is central to the country’s identity.
“Hasina’s Awami League positioned itself as a champion of secularism through Bengali nationalism, but its exclusionary approach ultimately limited its reach. By contrast, the BNP’s founding ideology of Bangladeshi nationalism, introduced by Major General Ziaur Rahman in 1978, emphasized inclusivity by respecting both cultural and religious diversity—a vision that aligns with the Bangladesh ethos of ‘diversity within unity,’” says Mostofa.
The 2024 revolution marks a shift from a singular nationalist identity toward multiculturalism. Diverse groups—including progressives, cultural conservatives, and those valuing religious identity—united to dismantle Hasina’s regime, demonstrating a commitment to respecting multiple ideologies. This environment presents an opening for the BNP, whose inclusive ideology could position it as a unifying force in a post-revolution society.
However, the BNP’s role in this new era is not without challenges. The party will need to balance its secular and religious wings to foster a culture of dialogue over division, reflecting the broader struggle within Bangladesh, where democratic norms are evolving amid complex cultural landscapes. This ongoing journey underscores a challenge that is significant for the nation’s development.
The collapse of Hasina’s rule also exposed an entrenched authoritarian culture within Bangladesh’s governance structures. Public tendencies to either idolize or vilify leaders reinforce this authoritarianism, undermining institutional independence and stifling true democratic governance. Key institutions like the judiciary, universities, and banks often fall under political influence, weakening their ability to operate independently.
To succeed in this new political era, the BNP must promote internal democracy and transparency in its leadership. Managing high expectations from its supporters, who are eager for meaningful reform, will also be crucial. As Bangladesh transitions from authoritarian rule to a more inclusive society, the BNP has an opportunity to foster unity amid diversity and potentially serve as a model for neighbouring nations.
“The BNP stands at a crossroads. If the party can bridge divides between progressive and traditional groups and foster democratic principles, it could lead Bangladesh into a new era. This success, he suggests, would make the BNP a model for inclusive governance, promoting a unity that respects both diversity and democratic values,” says Mostofa.
Notes from the Editor: Shafi Md Mostofa is an Associate Professor of World Religions and Culture at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, and a post-doctoral research fellow at the Democracy Institute of Central European University. This feature has been edited from its original publication and is published under a Creative Commons Licence courtesy of the Australian Institute of International Affairs.
