Democracy cannot prevail without communal harmony

 
Before independence Bangladesh was known as East Pakistan while the governing authority was in the hands of rulers located in West Pakistan. The history of deprivations, injustice, discrimination and torment that Bangladesh had to go through at the hands of West Pakistan is still glaringly found in history. For this reason, fighting for independence was the only choice for Bangladesh. Under those crucial circumstances India proved its brotherly bonds with us by standing beside Bangladesh on diplomatic, military and humanitarian fronts. Over ten million refugees from Bangladesh took shelter on Indian soil. Most of the freedom fighters of Bangladesh were trained up in India who moved back into Bangladesh to fight for the country’s liberation. In this way the relationship between Bangladesh and India is written in golden letters.

Bengal was captured by the British colonial rulers back in 1757 through the Battle of Plassey. Later on the British colonial regime governed the Indian subcontinent for around two hundred years. The end of the British rule in India came in 1947 which led to the partition of India. Two countries—Pakistan and India—emerged in 1947 on the basis of the two-nation theory. Many politicians at that time opposed the partition of India. East Pakistan became independent in 1971 leading to the birth of Bangladesh through the glorious Liberation War.

Communalism remains a threat to the subcontinent through ages. The troublemakers responsible for communal predicaments are still active. For this reason communal divides still exist. Democracy cannot prevail without communal harmony. India is one of the closest allies to Bangladesh. India is Bangladesh’s one of the most vital development partners too. India widely cooperated with Bangladesh during the Liberation War of 1971. Nearly twenty million Bangladeshi refugees took shelter in India during 1971. So, the alliance between Bangladesh and India stands on tested and proven grounds. Nevertheless, it is true that an anti-Indian sentiment is strongly present in Bangladesh. Most of the parties that oppose India are against progressive thoughts and secular principles. Anti-Indian flocks do not support the spirit of the Liberation War either. For this reason Bangladesh government should stay on high alert regarding the anti-India quarters.

India deserves to be honored for the benevolent role it played for Bangladesh’s independence.

Interreligious harmony in Bangladesh is at times disrupted by communal mayhem. Religious bigots demolished Buddhist monasteries and temples in Cox’s Bazar several years ago. The households and temples of Hindus came under attacks in 2016 and 2021. In the same year tribal clans in Gaibandha were assailed by vicious communal groups.

Bangladesh has sheltered over one million Rohingyas who moved away from Myanmar to escape ethnic cleansing.