Md Zahid Hossain

The Ugly Asian, written by Bangladeshi author Syed Waliullah under the pseudonym Abu Sharya, is a multifaceted political allegory set in an under-wraps Muslim Asian country. Written in the early 1960s, this late-published novel is an important postmodern text that explores the aspirations and pitfalls of nationalism in newly established post-colonial republics. Waliullah, best known for his renowned novel Tree Without Roots, has written The Ugly Asian, which provides new insight into the turbulent era of decolonization when Asian countries struggled with political and cultural identities under the shadow of the Cold War. Through a tale that deftly blends satire and realism, Waliullah explores the depths of political corruption and the common people's struggles as they attempt to break free from the vestiges of British imperialism.

Waliullah's The Ugly Asian, a novel similar to The Ugly American, explores the influence of American foreign policy in Asia. It focuses on the deep-seated colonial impact on post-colonial nations, highlighting the challenges these nations face in asserting independence. The narrative begins with an American journalist, Johnson, who observes the political atmosphere in a recently liberated Asian country. Johnson's mission is to investigate how a minor party defeated a major political faction in the previous election, hinting at a democratic rebirth marred by uncertainty, ideological conflict, and the influence of international superpowers. Waliullah critiques both the political struggles within the Asian country and America's inconsistent foreign policy.

Waliullah's novel is a postmodern critique of identity and power, universalizing the nation's struggle for self-determination. It shares similarities with Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, which explores the collapse of traditional systems under colonial influence. Both novels portray colonialism as an invisible force, enduring even after the colonizers' departure. Waliullah examines America's role in the post-colonial era, focusing on its influence on political events and the role of American diplomats in shaping the nation. Despite their neutrality, these diplomats often favour policies that align with American interests rather than local aspirations. This complicates the concept of true independence, as superpowers like the U.S. shape governance structures for their own strategic gain. Waliullah uses American journalist Johnson as a lens to examine the limitations and contradictions of American foreign policy, particularly its attempts to impose Western-style governance in a culture still unmoored from colonialism.

At the heart of The Ugly Asian lies the disillusionment of a people betrayed by a government that continues the same corrupt and oppressive practices as its predecessors despite its change of face. The revolution may have freed the country from British imperialism, but this independence has proven superficial as the new leaders replicate the self-serving tactics of the former regime. The allure of power, Waliullah suggests, blinds the country’s leaders, who exploit the ignorance and disillusionment of the masses to retain control. The characters in this novel, particularly the leaders, promise progress and social welfare yet deliver little beyond empty rhetoric. This political deception is central to Waliullah’s commentary on the challenges newly independent states face, especially those where the concept of democracy remains opaque or even alien to the citizens. The voters in The Ugly Asian are drawn into a narrative of false promises, only to be betrayed by the very leaders they entrusted to build a new, autonomous state.

The Ugly Asian by Waliullah argues that nationalism is the best path for post-colonial states to achieve self-sufficiency, aligning with Frantz Fanon's theories on decolonization. Waliullah presents nationalism as a force capable of unifying people in their pursuit of self-governance, free from foreign influence. He resists capitalist and communist ideologies represented by America and the Soviet Union, suggesting only a distinctly national vision can bring prosperity. The novel critiques the limitations of American influence and emphasizes that neither capitalism nor communism offers a perfect solution, and the path to independence is more complex than foreign diplomats may believe.

In The Ugly Asian, Waliullah's writing is filled with irony and moral ambiguity, presenting characters who are neither purely good nor evil. The protagonist, Johnson, confronts his biases and becomes aware of the hypocrisies of American policy. This moral ambiguity is central to Waliullah's critique, suggesting that foreign powers cannot fully comprehend the intricacies of the societies they seek to influence. His characters inhabit a world where intentions and actions rarely align perfectly, revealing Waliullah's cynicism on international politics. The concept of a "minor party" defeating a major party emphasizes that true political power lies with the people, not with elite or foreign-backed entities.

Syed Waliullah's The Ugly Asian highlights power struggles in post-colonial states, highlighting the intersection of international politics, colonial legacy, and national identity. It cautions against cultural ignorance and calls for context-sensitive solutions, prompting readers to question independence costs and power responsibilities.

Student, Department of English Comilla University