Fifty Years of Bangladesh, 1971-2021: Crises of Culture, Development, Governance, and Identity

This book explores Bangladesh's history, politics, society, and culture, revealing myths and facts about its development, governance, and identity crises. The overpopulation, resource poverty, and unskilled population contribute to these crises, dividing the polity between warring tribes and glorifying idols. It emphasizes the need for capitalist and inclusive institutions to replace the pre-capitalist order and improve Bangladesh's governance and efficiency.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 388 pages
Publication date: 23 April 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This groundbreaking book, the first historical sociology of its kind concerning Bangladesh, delves into the country's perplexing "what-went-wrong" syndrome during its first fifty years of existence, spanning from 1971 to 2021. It stands as a remarkable exception to the traditional studies on modern and contemporary Bangladesh, offering a fresh perspective on the nation's history, politics, society, and culture. Through the dismantling of numerous myths, the study sheds light on numerous known and unknown facts about Bangladesh's past, present, and future. Moreover, this book serves as a post-history of united Pakistan, providing valuable insights into the complex dynamics that shaped the region.

Bangladesh, a country that has twice been liberated, from the British in 1947 and from West Pakistanis in 1971, is a unique entity grappling with profound crises of culture, development, governance, and identity. These crises are attributed to the demographic byproducts of poor governance, as Bangladesh faces the challenges of being overpopulated, resource-poor, and characterized by a largely unskilled population, including lumpen elements and peasants. According to Marxist theory, these groups represent "the unchanging remnants of the past." The second round of independence, while empowering these lumpen classes, has also led to an identity crisis, preventing them from acquiring the skills necessary for effective governance. The proliferation of pseudo-history about liberation has further divided the polity between the two warring tribes, who glorify their respective idols, Mujib and Zia, rather than fostering unity and cooperation.

Pre-political and pre-capitalist peasants/lumpen elements lack of mutual trust and respect has further compounded Bangladesh's challenges, rendering it one of the least governable, corrupt, and inefficient countries in the world. To address these issues, it is essential to replace the pre-capitalist order of the country run by multiple lumpen classes with capitalist and inclusive institutions. This transformation will not only promote economic growth and development but also foster social cohesion and harmony, ensuring a brighter future for Bangladesh and its people.

Weight: 536g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030971601
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022