H. M. Nazmul Alam

In times of political transition, nations often find themselves standing at a crossroads where every decision, word, and action can set the tone for future generations. Bangladesh, a country built on the ideals of unity and cultural coexistence, is now struggling with a wave of communal unrest, especially following the recent arrest incidents of Sanatani leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari. The ongoing events, international reactions, and internal political turmoil raise a pertinent question: why can’t we focus on communal harmony instead of succumbing to the forces of division? At this critical juncture, promoting communal harmony is not just an ethical obligation but a strategic necessity.

To understand the urgency of this need, let us first reflect on what happens when societies embrace or reject harmony. History offers lessons of both triumph and tragedy. During the reign of Emperor Ashoka in ancient India, the transformative power of communal harmony was evident. After witnessing the bloodshed of the Kalinga War, Ashoka renounced violence and advocated tolerance and coexistence, laying the foundation for one of the most prosperous periods in Indian history. His edicts, inscribed across his empire, encouraged respect for all faiths and built a society that thrived on mutual understanding.

In contrast, the horrors of Nazi Germany in the 20th century serve as a grim reminder of the consequences of division. By targeting Jews and other minorities, Adolf Hitler not only destroyed millions of lives but also tore apart the social fabric of Europe. The aftermath left scars that linger to this day. Bangladesh must heed these lessons. Division breeds destruction, while harmony paves the way for progress.

The current political transition in Bangladesh has created a vacuum that some groups are exploiting to sow discord. Scattered incidents of vandalism targeting Hindu temples, followed by the arrest incidents of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu leader, have sparked outrage both domestically and internationally. It has sparked controversy across communities as well.

Adding to this tension is the political uncertainty following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. As the interim administration struggles to establish stability, Bangladesh has seen a spike in protests, demands, and unrest across various sectors. When such instability takes root, minorities often bear the brunt, becoming scapegoats in a complex web of political blame games.

Amidst this chaos, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s recent call for restraint and unity is a refreshing departure from the polarizing rhetoric often dominating political discourse. In his appeal, he urged Bangladeshis to resist provocations, uphold communal harmony, and avoid falling prey to misinformation. Tarique Rahman’s statement reflects an awareness of the dangerous implications of division, not just for minorities but for the nation as a whole.

Tarique Rahman’s appeal mirrors the ethos of the American Civil Rights Movement led by Martin Luther King Jr. King, believed in the power of unity to overcome systemic challenges. His dream of a society where people are judged by their character rather than their creed or color echoes Tarique Rahman’s vision of a Bangladesh where every citizen, regardless of religion, lives with dignity.

Tarique Rahman’s warning against inflammatory media narratives and disinformation campaigns is particularly relevant. Anti-Bangladesh sentiments emanating from certain Indian quarters, coupled with internal political rivalries, have created an echo chamber of mistrust. The attack on the Bangladeshi consulate in Agartala and subsequent international reactions emphasize the fragility of the situation.

Communal harmony is not a foreign concept to Bangladesh; it is, in fact, deeply ingrained in our history. From the Liberation War of 1971, which saw people of all faiths unite against oppression, to the ideals of secularism enshrined in our Constitution, Bangladesh has always thrived on inclusivity. However, history also warns us about the devastating consequences of division. The communal riots preceding the Partition of 1947 and subsequent violence in the subcontinent serve as grim reminders of what can happen when harmony is abandoned.

In this context, it is disheartening to see certain sections of society resorting to religious and ethnic divisions to serve political or personal agendas. Attacks on temples, vandalism of Hindu homes in Sunamganj, and inflammatory slogans only push the nation further away from its foundational principles.

The interim government, while making attempts to address minority concerns, must ensure that its actions match its rhetoric. Chief Adviser Yunus’s efforts to promote national unity are praiseworthy, but they need to be inclusive. Meetings with minority leaders and promises of incremental reforms are steps in the right direction. However, such measures lose credibility when juxtaposed with incidents of perceived injustice, like failing to arrest those who ignite communal tensions.

Additionally, the government must avoid conflating legitimate demands for minority rights with external interference or political conspiracies. By labeling minorities or their leaders as foreign agents, the state risks deepening mistrust and creating a sense of alienation.

India’s response to the situation, especially from its ruling BJP, adds another layer of complexity. Concerns over the treatment of Hindus in Bangladesh and using these issues as a political tool can do more harm than good. Cross-border provocations and politicized statements worsen tensions and undermine the sovereignty of Bangladesh.

At the same time, Bangladesh must be cautious in its response to Indian criticism. Dismissing minority grievances as part of foreign propaganda risks eroding trust within the country. Instead, Bangladesh should engage in constructive dialogue with India to address concerns while reaffirming its commitment to protecting all citizens.

Rabindranath Tagore, in his timeless poem Where the Mind is Without Fear, envisioned a world where people rise above narrow divisions to achieve true freedom. Similarly, John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath reminds us that unity among the oppressed is the key to overcoming systemic injustice. These works are not just literary masterpieces; they are guideposts for navigating the complexities of human coexistence.

In the context of Bangladesh, communal harmony is not merely a moral imperative; it is a matter of national survival. The country’s socio-economic progress depends on stability, and stability is impossible without trust among its diverse communities. The communal tensions we witness today risk not only derailing development but also tarnishing Bangladesh’s international image.

As Bangladesh navigates this period of transition, it has a choice to make. It can either allow communal tensions to fester, weakening its social fabric and international standing, or it can emerge stronger by embracing unity and diversity. The latter path requires courage, empathy, and a long-term vision.

If we are to build a Bangladesh where all citizens feel valued and protected, we must prioritize communal harmony above all else. This means addressing minority grievances with sincerity, holding perpetrators of communal violence accountable, and promoting a culture of mutual respect. It also means rejecting divisive narratives, whether they come from within or beyond our borders.

In Tarique Rahman’s words, a destabilized Bangladesh benefits no one. But a united Bangladesh, where differences are celebrated rather than feared, has the potential to inspire not just its neighbors but the world. Let this moment of crisis be a turning point where we rediscover our shared humanity and recommit to the ideals that define us as a nation.

The road ahead is not easy, but it is worth travelling. For in unity, there is strength, and in harmony, there is hope for a brighter future.

The writer is a, Lecturer, Department of English and Modern Languages, International University of Business, Agriculture & Technology.