Is Bangladesh Becoming an Islamic State

The question arises in recent years: Is a traditionally secular Bangladesh, a country with a Muslim-majority population, going to become an Islamic state? This issue, religious-based politics, has gained momentum. Various political and social shifts have nudged the country toward greater religious influence in governance and public life. Understanding Bangladesh’s path—politics, economy, and civic life—requires careful consideration. There are three crucial contexts that Bangladesh must examine. First, its unique history. Second, its political context. Third, the pressures shaping its identity. In this context, heading toward an Islamic state means considering its changing political landscape. Additionally, it involves thinking about what this shift may mean for its diverse people and democratic values.

The Historical Roots of Secularism in Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s roots as a secular state are enshrined in its founding. The country (East Pakistan then under West Pakistan) emerged in 1971 after a brutal independence war with Pakistan (West Pakistan then). Issues of linguistic and cultural identity were at the forefront. Bangladesh’s independence was, in many ways, a rejection of Pakistan’s emphasis on religion as the unifying factor (a complete Islamic state). This underscored the new country’s commitment to Bengali culture and secularism.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s founding leader, underscored secularism as a core principle of the nation. This was one of the core factors in separating East Pakistan from the West. Having achieved the cherished independence, the 1972 constitution enshrined secularism, democracy, nationalism, and socialism as the state’s fundamental pillars. However, the country’s trajectory took several unexpected turns, starting with political upheavals, military coups, and changes to its constitution. These changes slowly shifted the tone of governance. Today, it also acknowledges Islam as its state religion (although Bangladesh is officially a secular state). This is a reflection of the nuanced and often contested place that religion occupies in the country’s identity.

The Impact of the 1988 Bangladesh Constitutional Amendment

One of the most significant turning points came in 1988 when President Hussain Muhammad Ershad, during his time as a military ruler, amended the constitution to declare Islam the state religion. This move set a precedent that has influenced Bangladeshi politics ever since. It is thought that Ershad’s decision was an attempt to gain popular support. The decision was politically intentional. It did not overturn secularism but added a layer of religious identity. This layer has remained and grown in importance over the years.

Political parties, including the major parties like the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), have since found it difficult to ignore the influence of religion in appealing to voters. Concurrently, Islamist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and others prudently and strategically started gaining popularity, and will be continuing. Today, religion plays a more pronounced role in politics than it did at the time of independence. It makes sense since the vast majority of people believe in Islam and cherish it. Therefore, ignoring religion in politics in Bangladesh is unthinkable outright.

Also See: Bangladesh’s Political Shift: Fall of Mujibur Rahman’s Legacy

How Public Sentiment Shapes the Secular-Islamic Debate

Public sentiment in Bangladesh shows both support for and caution against a stronger religious influence in governance. Bangladeshis are generally devout Muslims. Islamic values play a central role in many people’s lives (ranging from personal life to politics and economy).

A Pew Research Center survey from 2013 found that a significant proportion of Bangladeshis favored implementing sharia law (Islamic law in administering the country) as the law of the land. However, these numbers represent a complex reality. While many Bangladeshis express pride in their Islamic heritage, there is also a strong commitment to the secular values that have been foundational to Bangladesh’s identity. For instance, secularism as a political value has deep roots in Bangladeshi society, given the country’s liberation struggle.

While many embrace Islam personally, they view secularism as essential to national unity and social harmony. This is especially relevant considering Bangladesh’s sizable Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian minorities, who account for nearly 10% (majority are Hindus) of the population. Some opine that a shift toward a more Islamic state would undoubtedly have implications for these communities, raising concerns about their rights, safety, and inclusion in national identity. But Islam and its philosophies value respect for all religions and people from all walks of life.

Bangladesh Becoming an Islamic State: What are the Potential Foreign Policy Challenges?

Bangladesh’s identity as a Muslim-majority yet officially secular state has allowed it to pursue a balanced foreign policy that helps build strong ties with both Muslim-majority nations and countries that emphasize democratic and secular values, such as India, the United States, and the European Union. If Bangladesh were to shift toward becoming an Islamic state, it could alter this balance. Potentially, it may complicate relationships with key international partners and may impact foreign aid, economic partnerships, and regional security dynamics.

Bangladesh has historically taken a stringent stance on issues like extremism and terrorism. The country has been working with international allies to combat radicalism for decades and has been successfully tackling it as well. Thus, a formal shift toward a more Islamic identity may embolden extremist elements within the country, making it challenging for Bangladesh to maintain this balanced diplomatic approach in the foreseeable future.

Domestic Implications for Bangladesh Society

In addition, Bangladesh’s progress on social issues and development might be impacted by a more religiously oriented government approach. The country has made significant strides in improving gender equality, increasing literacy rates, and boosting economic growth. These achievements have often been supported by policies rooted in secular values. These values prioritize development and social progress over religious conservatism. For instance, Bangladesh’s garment industry is a crucial sector of the economy. It employs millions of women and has contributed to the country’s empowerment narrative. This sector’s progress could be hindered if societal pressures favoring more conservative Islamic values start dictating employment norms or women’s participation in the workforce. If the government were to adopt stricter Islamic policies, it could face pressure to limit certain freedoms and rights. This could, in turn, impact economic development and social welfare.

Lessons from the Neighbouring Countries

Neighboring countries offer cautionary examples of the risks of a shift toward religious governance. Pakistan, for instance, has faced significant challenges as a result of intertwining religion with governance. Originally founded as a Muslim-majority state with a degree of religious influence, Pakistan’s journey has been fraught with sectarian conflict, religious extremism, and minority persecution. The official endorsement of Islamic laws has, over time, fueled a rise in fundamentalism, making it challenging for Pakistan to protect minority rights or maintain internal stability.

Similarly, in the Middle East, countries like Syria and Iraq have struggled with sectarian divides, which have often been exacerbated by religiously motivated politics. In such contexts, ethnic and religious identities become central to political affiliations, leading to fractured societies where unity becomes increasingly difficult to achieve. Bangladesh, with its diverse communities and unique political landscape, faces the risk of similar social tensions if it leans further into religious governance.

Religious Influence vs. Secular Governance in Bangladesh

However, it is also essential to recognize that Bangladesh is not on an inevitable path toward becoming an Islamic state. The country has demonstrated resilience in maintaining its secular principles, even amidst pressures from religious groups. Almost all previous governments have, in many cases, balanced religious identity with secular governance. However, they have also faced criticism for appeasing Islamist elements to secure political gains. The government has taken a firm stance against extremism. Law enforcement is actively countering radical groups and preventing the spread of violent ideologies. The secular faction within Bangladeshi society remains strong. Civil society groups, activists, and intellectuals continuously advocate for the protection of secularism as a core value. This resilience suggests that while Bangladesh faces pressures, it also has robust mechanisms to prevent a full shift toward religious governance.

Balancing Islam and Democracy

The recent challenges Bangladesh has faced in dealing with religious sentiment are part of a broader trend in the Muslim world, where many countries grapple with balancing religious values and modern governance.

In places like Tunisia and Turkey, leaders have sought to integrate Islam within a democratic framework. They have done so without compromising on secular principles. For Bangladesh, finding this balance will require a commitment to inclusive governance. This governance should acknowledge the role of Islam in the lives of its citizens. It must also protect the rights of minorities and preserve democratic freedoms.

As the Nobel laureate Amartya Sen once remarked, “A country does not have to be secular in a way that religion has no role, but secular in a way that every religion has a place.” This perspective aligns with the Islamic tradition of inclusivity and coexistence, which emphasizes justice (adl) and compassion (rahma) as core principles of governance.

The historical example of the Charter of Madinah, established by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the 7th century, presents a clear instance where Islam embraced pluralism in governance.

The Charter was a formal agreement between Muslims, Jews, and other religious groups in the city of Madinah. It defined the rights and duties of all citizens, irrespective of their religious beliefs, and established a political system based on mutual respect, justice, and cooperation. This early Islamic model demonstrates that Islam does not inherently threaten secularism, as it acknowledges the role of religion in personal and societal life while ensuring the protection and inclusion of diverse communities.

This very notion could serve as a guiding principle for Bangladesh, where a careful approach to religious and secular dynamics can help foster unity rather than division.

Potential Implications for Bangladesh Becoming an Islamic State

For Bangladesh, one of the greatest risks of a shift toward an Islamic state is the potential erosion of democratic freedoms. Freedom of expression, gender equality, and religious tolerance could all come under strain if the country were to prioritize a single religious identity over its founding values. Civil society, which has played a critical role in defending secularism, would need to remain vigilant. The influence of the younger generation, particularly those educated in urban centers and exposed to global perspectives, could also be a counterbalance to religious conservatism. In recent years, Bangladesh has seen a surge of youth activism, with students and young professionals advocating for social justice, environmental protection, and human rights. This demographic, if engaged constructively, could be a powerful force in ensuring Bangladesh remains on a secular and democratic path.

Notably, historically, Islam itself has maintained a delicate balance between religion and governance. As the philosopher and poet Allama Iqbal articulated in his vision for the future, “Juda ho deen siyasat sai, to reh jati hai changezi” (When religion is separated from politics, governance becomes tyrannical). This profound quote reflects the consequences of separating religion from governance. According to Iqbal, when religion and politics are disconnected, it can lead to a form of leadership that is detached from ethical and spiritual guidance.

Therefore, Bangladesh faces a unique challenge in integrating its religious identity with democratic governance without losing sight of its pluralistic roots.

Moreover, Islamic history offers examples of countries and leaders who sought to blend governance with religion without compromising on justice and pluralism. For instance, the governance model of early Islam under Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab was notable for its inclusiveness, respect for minority rights, and a governance structure that balanced religious values with the needs of a diverse society. Such examples can provide valuable lessons for Bangladesh as it seeks to navigate the tensions between its Islamic heritage and its democratic ideals.

Can Bangladesh Maintain Its Balance?

In conclusion, the question of whether Bangladesh will become an Islamic state remains complex. While religious influences have grown, the country’s secular roots and commitment to inclusivity remain strong counterforces. Bangladesh stands at a crossroads, with political and social forces pushing in different directions.

As history shows, national identity is not fixed; it is shaped by the people and their values.

Bangladeshis, in their commitment to secularism and inclusivity, have the agency to decide the future course of their country. A shift toward a more religious identity would be a significant transformation. It would have far-reaching implications for minority rights, international relations, and social cohesion. For now, Bangladesh appears poised to maintain its balance. It holds on to the secular values that have guided its journey since independence. The challenge lies in ensuring that religious and secular elements coexist harmoniously. This would allow Bangladesh to honor its Islamic heritage while safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all its citizens. This balance is not only possible but necessary. Bangladesh’s future depends on a shared commitment to unity, tolerance, and respect for diversity.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own. They do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of the South Asia Times.

Abdullah Al Mamun

Abdullah-Al-Mamun is a Research Assistant in the Department of International Relations at Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. As a Security and Political Analyst, he regularly contributes insightful analyses on global security issues and political developments to both national and international media outlets. His research interests focus on international security, geopolitics, and regional dynamics in South Asia. Md. Abdullah-Al-Mamun can be reached at abdullahalamamunhbri@gmail.com.

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Is Bangladesh Becoming an Islamic State