Published: 12:21 AM, 17 May 2026
Dr. Yunus-Led Interim Government: How Mob Violence and Extremism Are Dismantling Bangladesh’s Cultural Landscape
Over the past eighteen months, Bangladesh’s historically vibrant arts, literature, and cultural sectors have come under unprecedented assault. Under the tenure of the current interim government, the country's progressive, secular, and free-thinking voices have faced a systematic campaign of mob violence, extremist attacks, and politically motivated lawsuits—a trend observers warn is a deliberate attempt to permanently silence cultural expression. A Broadening Network of Victims: The scale of the crackdown spans the entire spectrum of the creative community. According to local reports and cultural watchdogs, more than 2,000 poets, writers, theater practitioners, filmmakers, recitation artists, and folk performers have been subjected to physical attacks, public harassment, or legal intimidation. What began as isolated incidents has rapidly evolved into a pervasive climate of fear, effectively freezing artistic production across the country. Systemic Assault on Sufi and Folk Traditions: The most severe violence has been directed at marginalized, rural artists who form the backbone of Bangladesh’s syncretic folk heritage. Baul, Sufi, and Palagaan (traditional narrative song) performers have found themselves targets of religious extremists.
Destruction of Heritage: Over 100 Sufi shrines (mazars) nationwide have been vandalized, looted, or set on fire by fundamentalist crowds. Public Humiliation: Baul musicians, who preach tolerance and mysticism, have been openly assaulted. In a widely condemned incident in the Mymensingh district, extremists publicly humiliated Baul Halim Uddin, forcibly cutting his hair and beard—a profound assault on the community's spiritual identity. Cultural Icons and Celebrities Targeted: The campaign has not spared the nation’s most celebrated intelligentsia and public figures. Renowned personalities, including heroic freedom fighter and theater director Nasir Uddin Yousuf, playwright Mamunur Rashid, sculptor Rasha, and eminent painter Rafiqun Nabi, have been targeted with fabricated, politically motivated murder charges designed to restrict their movement and ruin their reputations. Simultaneously, mass legal filings have targeted over a hundred mainstream film and television stars. The escalating danger reached a flashpoint when the home of Rahul Ananda, front man of the popular folk-fusion band Joler Gaan, was torched by a mob, destroying over 300 handmade musical instruments. The attack forced the musician and his family into hiding and eventual flight from the country. Similarly, top leadership of the Sammilita Sangskritik Jote (Alliance of Cultural Organizations) have been forced into hiding or self-imposed exile abroad to escape violence and detention.
The Anatomy of the Attacks: While many of these assaults have been carried out under the generic banner of the Tauhidi Janata (an umbrella term used by Islamist crowds), independent investigative reporting reveals a more coordinated effort behind the scenes. Evidence points to a loose coalition of activists from various established political parties, radical religious outfits, and students from localized madrassas leveraging the current political transition to enforce a rigid ideological agenda.
Government Admission of Failure:
The escalating lawlessness has drawn sharp criticism within the state apparatus. Following intense debates and expressions of outrage regarding the collapse of cultural security, Interim Government Adviser Asif Nazrul publicly acknowledged the administration's shortcomings. "We have failed to show the necessary firmness in preventing mob violence," Nazrul admitted, signaling a rare official recognition of the state's inability to maintain the rule of law against ideological groups.
Patriotism is one of the noblest human qualities. It inspires people to love, protect, and serve their country with devotion and sincerity. However, true patriotism is not limited to waving flags or celebrating national days. It is deeply connected with the preservation of a nation’s cultural originality. Cultural originality refers to the unique traditions, language, literature, art, customs, values, and lifestyle that distinguish one nation from another.
These cultural elements form the identity of a people and strengthen their attachment to their homeland. Without preserving cultural originality, patriotism gradually weakens because people lose the sense of belonging that binds them together as a nation. Therefore, cultural originality plays a vital role in upholding patriotism and maintaining national unity. Every nation possesses a distinct cultural heritage that reflects its historical experiences and social values. This heritage is developed over centuries through the contributions of ancestors, thinkers, poets, artists, and common people. The language people speak, the songs they sing, the festivals they celebrate, and the traditions they follow become symbols of national identity. When citizens respect and preserve these unique cultural features, they develop pride in their country. This pride naturally gives rise to patriotism. A person who values the culture of his homeland feels emotionally connected to the nation and becomes willing to sacrifice for its welfare and dignity.
Language is one of the most important aspects of cultural originality. It is the medium through which people express their emotions, thoughts, and traditions. A nation’s language carries its history, literature, and philosophy. When people neglect their native language in favor of foreign influences, they gradually lose connection with their roots. History shows that many patriotic movements were inspired by the defense of language and culture. The Language Movement of Bangladesh in 1952 is a remarkable example. The people of East Pakistan fought bravely to establish Bangla as a state language because they understood that language was inseparable from their cultural identity and national dignity. Their sacrifice later inspired the spirit of independence and patriotism that led to the Liberation War of 1971. Thus, the preservation of language strengthens patriotism and national consciousness.
Cultural originality also protects a nation from blind imitation of foreign cultures. In the modern age of globalization, people are increasingly influenced by foreign lifestyles, media, fashion, and entertainment. While learning from other cultures is beneficial, excessive imitation may weaken national identity. If people begin to feel ashamed of their own traditions and blindly adopt foreign customs, patriotism declines. Cultural originality reminds people of their roots and teaches them to respect their own heritage. It encourages balance between modernization and tradition. A patriotic citizen appreciates global progress but never forgets the values and customs of his own nation.
Moreover, cultural originality creates unity among citizens. People belonging to different regions, religions, or social classes can remain united through shared cultural traditions and values. National songs, literature, festivals, and historical memories create a common emotional bond among people. This unity is essential for patriotism because divided societies become weak and vulnerable. A nation with strong cultural identity can overcome internal conflicts and external threats more effectively. During times of crisis, cultural unity inspires citizens to stand together for the protection of their country.
Literature and art are powerful expressions of cultural originality that nurture patriotism. Poets, writers, musicians, and artists often awaken national pride through their creative works. Patriotic songs, poems, dramas, and novels inspire people to love their country and remember its glorious history. In Bangladesh, the songs of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam have played a significant role in awakening patriotic feelings among the people. Their literary works reflect the beauty of Bengali culture and encourage people to uphold justice, freedom, and national dignity. Through literature and art, cultural originality reaches the hearts of people and strengthens patriotic emotions.
Traditional festivals and customs also contribute to patriotism by preserving social harmony and national identity. Festivals such as Pahela Baishakh in Bangladesh bring people together regardless of religion or social status. Such celebrations remind citizens of their shared heritage and cultural roots. They promote feelings of unity, joy, and pride in the nation. When people actively participate in their traditional festivals and respect their customs, they develop stronger emotional attachment to their homeland. Patriotism grows naturally from this attachment.
Education plays a crucial role in preserving cultural originality and promoting patriotism. Schools and educational institutions should teach students about the history, literature, traditions, and achievements of their country. Young people need to understand the struggles and sacrifices made by previous generations for national freedom and cultural preservation. If education ignores national culture and focuses only on foreign ideas, students may lose appreciation for their own heritage. Therefore, patriotic education should include lessons on cultural identity, national history, and moral values. Such education develops responsible citizens who respect their culture and contribute positively to the nation. The role of family in preserving cultural originality is equally important. Children learn language, manners, traditions, and values primarily from their families. Parents and elders should encourage the younger generation to respect their native culture and practice traditional customs. In many societies, rapid modernization has weakened family bonds and traditional values. As a result, many young people become disconnected from their cultural roots. Families must therefore act as guardians of cultural heritage and teach children the importance of patriotism through cultural practices and moral guidance.
Religion can also support cultural originality and patriotism when practiced with tolerance and wisdom. Many cultural traditions are closely linked with religious values and moral teachings. Religious ethics such as honesty, compassion, justice, and respect for others strengthen social harmony and national unity. However, patriotism should not be confused with narrow nationalism or hatred toward other nations. True patriotism respects humanity while remaining loyal to one’s own country and culture. Cultural originality helps maintain this balance by promoting ethical values and mutual respect.
In today’s digital world, media and technology have great influence on cultural values and patriotism. Television, social media, films, and online platforms can either preserve or damage cultural originality. Positive media content that highlights national history, traditions, and achievements can inspire patriotism among people, especially the youth. On the other hand, harmful or excessive foreign influence may weaken cultural identity. Therefore, responsible use of media is necessary for protecting national culture. Governments, educators, and cultural organizations should support programs that promote local traditions, literature, music, and historical awareness.
Economic development and patriotism are also connected with cultural originality. A nation that values its traditional crafts, local industries, and cultural products can strengthen both its economy and national pride. Handicrafts, folk music, traditional clothing, and local cuisine are not only cultural symbols but also economic assets. When citizens support local products and industries, they contribute to national development and express patriotism in practical ways. Preserving cultural originality therefore benefits both the economy and the moral strength of a nation. History provides many examples of nations that maintained patriotism through cultural preservation. Japan modernized rapidly while preserving its traditional culture, language, and values. India gained independence partly through movements that promoted indigenous culture and products. Bangladesh also preserved its patriotic spirit through cultural resistance during political oppression. These examples prove that cultural originality is not an obstacle to progress; rather, it provides a strong foundation for national advancement and unity.
Editorial Outlook: A Calculated Silence: The ongoing targeting of the cultural sector cannot be dismissed as random, post-revolutionary chaos. Analysts argue it represents a highly coordinated, well-planned strategy. By allowing extremist groups to operate with tacit impunity, the current socio-political environment is systematically dismantling the secular, inclusive, and pluralistic foundations of Bangladeshi society—replacing a rich history of free expression with an enforced, institutionalized silence.
Mahbubul Islam is a lawyer and
associated with World
Peace Council.
