The collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian regime in August 2024 marked the beginning of a new era for Bangladesh, with the student-led revolution pushing for a more inclusive political and social order. This shift from secular Bengali nationalism to multiculturalism presents a significant turning point as the country reimagines its national identity.

In August 2024, Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year authoritarian regime collapsed in the face of a student-led revolution, marking a watershed moment in Bangladesh’s political and cultural landscape. This revolution not only brought about the fall of a dictatorial regime but also laid the groundwork for a reimagining of Bangladesh’s political and social ideologies. At the heart of this transformation lies the realisation of multiculturalism, a stark departure from the exclusionary form of secular Bengali nationalism that has dominated the political narrative for decades. With the political landscape shifting, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) finds itself at a critical juncture, standing as the most popular party but facing numerous challenges and opportunities as it navigates the post-revolutionary landscape.

Despite facing long periods of persecution and being kept away from power for over a decade and a half, the BNP has managed to remain the most popular political force in Bangladesh. Many predicted that the party would collapse under the weight of Hasina’s repression, but the BNP’s resilience speaks to its broad-based appeal across various sectors of Bangladeshi society. However, this longevity is not without its burdens. The path ahead for the BNP is fraught with complex challenges, including navigating the demands of a post-revolutionary society that craves inclusivity, justice, and real democracy.

The socio-political landscape in Bangladesh has been shaped by a long-standing conflict between secularism and Islamism. Each force has historically sought the annihilation of the other, and this binary opposition has fuelled political tensions for decades. The Awami League, under Hasina, positioned itself as the sole agent for secularism, rooted in the ideology of Bengali nationalism. This form of nationalism, however, proved to be exclusionary and ultimately unsustainable.

On the other hand, Islamism failed in 1971 when it could not keep East and West Pakistan united. This failure gave rise to a new political dynamic in Bangladesh, one that saw the emergence of the BNP under Major General Ziaur Rahman in 1978. At a time when both the Awami League and Islamist forces were largely non-functional, Zia created the BNP as an anti-Awami League platform. He introduced “Bangladeshi nationalism,” a more inclusive ideology than Bengali nationalism, one that respected both the religious and cultural sentiments of the people.

In the aftermath of the 2024 revolution, Bangladesh has seen an ideological shift from Bengali nationalism to multiculturalism. The revolution itself was a confluence of various ideological factions—leftists, rightists, and Islamists all participated in the movement, united by a shared goal of overthrowing an authoritarian regime and fostering a more inclusive society. One of the key realisations of this revolution was the need for mutual respect and honour for all groups within society, regardless of their ideological or religious affiliations.

This realisation presents the BNP with a significant opportunity. The party’s original ideology of Bangladeshi nationalism, which promotes inclusivity and respects religious sentiment, is well-positioned to resonate with this new multicultural ethos. As a party that holds people from both secular and religious backgrounds, the BNP has the potential to bridge the gap between secularism and Islamism, creating a more harmonious and sustainable political order.

However, this role comes with its own set of challenges. The BNP will need to navigate the tensions between its secular and religious factions carefully. It must work to ensure that its inclusive message does not alienate either side, while also promoting a political culture that embraces dialogue and compromise.

The fall of Hasina’s regime has also highlighted a deeper cultural problem within Bangladesh: the authoritarian mindset that permeates the country’s institutions and society. Since its independence, Bangladesh has struggled with the rule of law, as those in power have often enjoyed unchecked authority. This is a cultural issue in Bangladesh, where people frequently and easily elevate individuals to the status of either divinity or demon for personal gain. Due to a weak state structure and lack of institutional independence, those in power hold absolute control over all aspects of the country. Over the years, this has fostered a mindset among the population that reinforces this dynamic. For instance, high-ranking officials such as justices of the Supreme Court, vice-chancellors of universities, and chairpersons of banks are appointed based on the preferences of the ruling party. As a result, none of these institutions operate with true independence or possess the courage to challenge the state.

Another example of this cultural problem is symbolised in the way political leaders are often idolised or demonised by their supporters. Democracy in Bangladesh has never fully matured, and political parties have consistently failed to practice true democratic principles. This cultural revolution, sparked by Gen Z’s demand for inclusivity and democracy, challenges the BNP to break this authoritarian mold and promote genuine democratic practices within its own ranks. The BNP will need to ensure that it practices internal democracy, addressing concerns about its leadership structure and decision-making processes. Additionally, the party will have to manage the expectations of its supporters, who are eager for change after years of repression.

As Bangladesh transitions from an era of authoritarian rule to one of inclusivity and multiculturalism, the BNP finds itself at a crossroads. With its historical commitment to Bangladeshi nationalism, the party is well-positioned to lead this new political era. However, the path ahead is filled with challenges, and the BNP must embrace dialogue between secular and religious forces, promote internal democracy, and address the deep-seated cultural problems that have long plagued Bangladesh’s political landscape. Only by doing so can the BNP fulfil its potential and help establish a truly inclusive and democratic Bangladesh.

Shafi Md Mostofa is an Associate Professor of World Religions and Culture, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh & a post-doctoral research fellow at the Democracy Institute of Central European University, Hungary.

This article is published under a Creative Commons Licence and may be republished with attribution.