The Ubiquity of Islam: Religion and Society in Bangladesh

T HE BIRTH OF PAKISTAN, of which Bangladesh was a part from 1947 to 1971, was the result of a demand for a separate homeland for one of the principal religious communities of the Indian subcontinent, the Muslims. Later, the idea of religious nationalism was discarded when Bangladesh was born, in 1971, out of a movement based on secular principles. The leaders of the Bangladesh movement were successful in articulating the demands for independence, and in convincing the people of the exploitation that had been perpetrated through the use of religion. After Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, Islam was relegated to a position of minimal importance, religion-oriented political parties were banned, and secularism was officially proclaimed a state principle. Yet, within a few years, Islam gradually reemerged as a strong force in Bangladesh society, and the country discarded the principle of secularism in favour of Islam. The purpose of this article is to present an explanation for the resurgence of Islam in Bangladesh. The war for the liberation of Bangladesh was a protest against religious nationalism which provided the base for a united Pakistan, and it was thought to have removed Islam from its prominent position in the society. But within a few years of independence, the overwhelming presence of Islam was becoming evident in all sections of the Bangladesh society. The focus of the discussion here will be on the various agents and forces within Bangladesh society that continually reinforce the place of Islam. Generally, the people of Bangladesh have strong attachments to Islam, and no one among the rulers and the ruled would risk retribution by opposing or criticizing religious customs, practices and beliefs. A large number of Bangladeshis do not perform the mandatory religious practices, but most display their devotion to Islam in public. The slightest aspersion on Islam results in hostile public reaction, which is why neither the government nor the opposition political parties of Bangladesh speak out against Islam. Even the leftist secular political parties, which consider religion to be an instrument of exploitation, do not make anti-Islamic statements in public. Government announcements are often sprinkled with references to the establishment of Islamic values, and policies are determined in such a way as not to disturb this sensitive issue. The rulers