Bangabandhu's Political Philosophy Is Pragmatic & Unique in Humanity

 

Although the existence of a flexible constitution is found, it is difficult to find a flexible state. If the state is flexible to its people, it may be another opportunity for the people. We know Abraham Lincoln's definition of democracy- 'Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people. A democratic government shall not perish from the earth.' This most acceptable and practical interpretation of democracy has made democracy so popular all over the world. Bangabandhu had the same state of mind as Lincoln.

Not only for ideological unity but also for the Bengalis, his political philosophy is more emotional and humane. He was above capitalism and socialism. In his political philosophy, there was no trace of dictatorship or nominal democracy. He believed in a system of governance that speaks of people from all walks of life, giving everyone a chance to live with human qualities.

Bangabandhu's political philosophy is fully expressed in the preamble of the 1972 constitution. It states that, "Pledging that the high ideals of nationalism, socialism, democracy and secularism, which inspired our heroic people to dedicate themselves to, and our brave martyrs to sacrifice their lives in, the national liberation struggle, shall be the fundamental principles of the Constitution." That is, if we analyze it theoretically, we find evidence of a mixed philosophy in his philosophy.

However, it is true that he was particularly influenced by the socialist non-exploitative economic ideology. He believed in the philosophy of socialist non-exploitation as the supreme democratic system. This is proved by his statement, "My government believes in internal social revolution. It's not just undemocratic. My government and party are committed to establishing a scientific socialist economy. In order to lay the foundation of a new social system, we have to uproot the old social system and make it a society, free from exploitation."

A clearer explanation of Bangabandhu's socialism is found in Article 10 of the 1972 Constitution. It states that, "a socialist economic system shall be established with a view to ensuring the attainment of a just and egalitarian society, free from the exploitation of man by man." He made these remarks in a TV speech on the first Independence Day in 1972. Besides, it is proved that his political philosophy is not bound by socialist stagnation.

It is found in the preamble of the Bangladesh Constitution of 1972 made under his patronage. As stated here, "Pledging that it shall be a fundamental aim of the State to realize through the democratic process a socialist society, free from exploitation a society in which the rule of law, fundamental human rights and freedom, equality and justice, political, economic and social, will be secured for all citizens."

Another important aspect of the modern political system is secularism. Bangabandhu incorporated secularism in the four principles of governance of Bangladesh and gave it a constitutional recognition which is unique and deserves praise. He has repeatedly made it clear that the people should not equate secularism with "irreligion". Another quote from him can be given. After returning home on 10 January 1972, he said, "I want to make it clear that Bangladesh will be an ideal state and its foundation will not be based on any particular religion. The foundation of the state will be democracy, socialism, and secularism. The peasants, workers, Hindus and Muslims of this country will be happy and at peace."

Machiavelli, the father of modern politics, the practical and realist philosopher in history, predominated in nationalism as an element of state formation. We do not see anything identical with Bangabandhu. He has clearly placed nationalism at the pinnacle of Bangladesh's four principles of governance. No trace of narrowness was ever found in Bangabandhu's political philosophy.  He tried to maintain good relations with the whole world. He had good diplomatic relations with the neighboring country, India. He did not want to have hostile relations with any other state. During his rule, he made Bangladesh a member of the United Nations and the OIC. He did his utmost to keep Bangladesh free from the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union.

The most interesting aspect of Bangabandhu's philosophy is that he always believed in independence and sovereignty. He never agreed to compromise on these two issues in his life. He rejected everything else for the sake of freedom and sovereignty. It is possible to show through an example how uncompromising he was about the independence and sovereignty of the country. On the morning of March 21, 1971, Joseph Farland, a former CIA officer, came to Bangabandhu's residence to meet him. Bangabandhu already had an idea about the matter, as he knew that the Americans were already convinced that the Bengalis would not back down on the question of independence. So he understood that inevitably the Americans would make unethical demands in the name of freedom.

Joseph Farland came and presented the US proposal to Bangabandhu. It was that the United States was ready to provide all kinds of assistance for the independence of Bangladesh. They would even make arrangements for freedom without bloodshed, but on one condition. The condition is that the Saint Martin's Island, located in the heart of the Bay of Bengal in the waters of Bangladesh, 150 miles south of Chittagong, will have to be leased to the United States on a long-term basis. Not only did Bangabandhu reject the proposal, he told Joseph Farland boldly: "Mr. Farland, I know you. I also know that you were behind military coups in Indonesia and Argentina. But remember, I can't free my country from Pakistani foxes and hand it over to American tigers. Such conditions of yours will never be acceptable to me, nor can it be."

Such strong determination of Bangabandhu undoubtedly proves how committed he was on the question of independence and sovereignty of the country. Not only from a theoretical point of view, Bangabandhu's political philosophy was the most practical and welfare oriented. His philosophy has never been confined to a theoretical fence. He did not hesitate to bring about a major revolution to ensure sovereignty, freedom, fundamental rights and justice for the people.

Bangabandhu's philosophy of state has always gone through evolution with the aim of enabling the poor and oppressed people to get their rights and live with human dignity. That is, Bangabandhu sowed the seeds of sustainable development, the inclusive governance system, and the equitable and participatory social structure, that we are talking about today, in us almost half a century ago. All we have to do now is to take care of the seedlings that have grown from these seeds and turn them into big trees. Then the Bengali nation will be able to enjoy its fruits from generation to generation.


Dr. A K M Mahmudul Haque is Associate Professor of Department of Political Science, Rajshahi University