Secularization, De-secularization and Re-secularization in Bangladesh: Does the ‘Third Image’ Matter?
| Published date | 01 June 2024 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1177/23210230241235359 |
| Author | Delwar Hossain |
| Date | 01 June 2024 |
Secularization, De-secularization
and Re-secularization in Bangladesh:
Does the ‘Third Image’ Matter?
Delwar Hossain1
Abstract
This article analyses the trajectories of secularization, de-secularization and re-secularization in
Bangladesh. It is about mapping broad historical developments with reference to basic understanding of
secularization and its progress in Bangladesh. The central question in the article is: How have the tra-
jectories of secularization, de-secularization and re-secularization in Bangladesh been influenced by the
nexus of internal–external dynamics of political and social forces developed in the 1980s? The article
argues that a decisive attempt to rediscover liberal and secular character of politics is currently evident
in Bangladesh. The attempt to reestablish secularism in the society also faces a host of challenges, stem-
ming from national, regional and global contexts that echo the 1980s. Methodologically, it is based on
policy outlook and trend analysis.
Keywords
Bangabandhu, Bangladesh, de-secularization, re-secularization, secularism, third image
Introduction
Religion has had a significant impact on South Asian politics. It re-emerged as a dominant tool for legiti-
mizing political power, garnering the popular support and justifying violence in the 1980s in various
forms—political process to social movements. In the colonial and post-colonial times, religion had been
linked with power politics and nationalism, which often led to communal riots, ethnic conflicts and mass
killings in South Asia. The Two-Nation theory based on religion had provided the basis of partitioning
India into two independent states—India and Pakistan in 1947. Soon after its formation, Pakistan came
into a deep trouble because of its rejection of principles of secularism. The Eastern part of Pakistan (now
Bangladesh) opposed the fundamental principle state which was based on the primacy of religion in state
institutions. Deprivation and exploitation in Pakistan helped to develop a linguistic nationalism which
ultimately worked as the key inspirations in later struggle for emancipation and self-determination in
East Pakistan.
Original Article
Studies in Indian Politics
12(1) 78–90, 2024
© 2024 Lokniti, Centre for the
Study of Developing Societies
Article reuse guidelines:
in.sagepub.com/journals-permissions-india
DOI: 10.1177/23210230241235359
journals.sagepub.com/home/inp
1 Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Corresponding author:
Delwar Hossain, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka, Ramna, Nilkhet Rd, Dhaka 1000,
Bangladesh.
E-mail: dhossain@du.ac.bd
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