Conservatism in Bangladesh
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Conservatism in Bangladesh refers to the Bangladeshi variant of conservatism (Bengali: রক্ষণশীলতাবাদ).
Conservative politics in post-independence Bangladesh began mainly in the late-1970s and remained dominant till now. Early conservatives promoted national, social and religious conservatism, claiming Bangladeshi nationalism as its core value. It "represents a mixture of traditional Bengali customs and moderate Islam".[1] Though "language and culture was at the core of Bangladeshi national identity, most people still identified as religious."[2] Upon taking power, Ziaur Rahman, founding chairman of BNP, introduced a state-sponsored Islamisation that impacted significantly on society and culture.[1] However, radical conservatives oppose western culture, calling it "alien culture", and seek to establish a religion-based state.[3]
Bangladeshi society remains highly socially conservative in compared to the western society.[4] According to bdnews24.com, most Bangladeshis oppose homosexuality, same-sex marriage, gambling and drinking alcohol.[5] In recent years, "a puritan, ritualistic version of Islam" has gained prominence in the country,[6] which overwhelms people's support for conservatism. Most recently in 2024, widespread revival of conservative Islam was observed among Bangladeshi youths, particularly due to the ousted Awami League government's imposition of secularisation policies.[7]
See also
References
- ^ a b Wohab, Abdul (2021). ""Secularism" or "no-secularism"? A complex case of Bangladesh". Cogent Social Sciences. 7. doi:10.1080/23311886.2021.1928979.
- ^ Hardig, Anders C. "Conservative Islamic views are gaining ground in secular Bangladesh and curbing freedom of expression". The Conversation. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
- ^ Burke, Jason; Hammadi, Saad. "Bangladesh simmers as Islamic conservatives and progressives clash". The Guardian. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
- ^ Hasan, Mubashar. "Understanding Bangladesh's most potent religious opposition". Lowy Institute. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
- ^ "Young Bangladeshis more conservative than their elders, survey finds". bdnews24.com. Retrieved July 5, 2012.
- ^ Rahman, Tahmina. "From Revolutionaries to Visionless Parties: Leftist Politics in Bangladesh". Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Retrieved September 6, 2022.
- ^ Md Mostofa, Shafi (2 November 2024). "The Repression of Muslim Identity and the Rise of Conservative Islam in Bangladesh". The Diplomat.