IN the annals of history, the birth of Bangladesh stands as a poignant chapter, marked by a tumultuous blend of nationalist fervour, political manoeuvring and regional dynamics. The emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation was, in many ways, shaped by the exploitation of anti-Pakistan sentiments orchestrated by India. However, this seemingly triumphant moment was marred by a complex interplay of factors that continue to influence the nation’s trajectory to this day.

The inception of Bangladesh was not merely a struggle for autonomy but a manifestation of India’s strategic interests. In the pursuit of creating a new nation, India subtly worked against the very concept of an Islamic State, challenging religious values and fostering a sense of ethnic pride. The love for the Bengali language and culture was exaggerated to the point of creating an identity crisis, as West Bengal found itself excluded from the newly formed Bangladesh. The scars of this manipulation persist, sowing seeds of discontent and shaping the collective consciousness of the Bangladeshi people.

As the pages of history turn, Bangladesh finds itself grappling with contemporary challenges that echo the manipulations of its past. The current political landscape, dominated by one party tightening its grip through dictatorship and allegations of electoral rigging, has drawn criticism from the opposition. The assertion that democratic values are being violated becomes a rallying cry against the backdrop of a........

© Pakistan Observer