People of Bangladesh, situated in Eastern part of South Asia, can be proud of a developed civilization that dates back many centuries. For years, lush green of riverine plane of Bengal attracted tourists, traders and conquerors. Bengal culture assimilated all these influences while retaining its own distinctions. Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam have left their own marks in developing a tolerant society and secular liberal culture. Bengal is also an abode of a few tribal enclaves with distinct language and culture.

Bangladesh carries a rich heritage of folklore music that always propagated humanism and tolerance. Spread of modern education, influence of European renaissance, Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam and others deeply influenced Bengalee society. Begum Rokeya pioneered education among conservative Muslim women.
During Pakistan period, cultural struggle for national identity of Bengalee, starting from language movement of 1952, has always been integral part of national struggle.


Emergence of Bangladesh

In the backdrop of national struggle against British colonial rule in India, since mid 40's, Hindu-Muslim communal tension lead in 1947 to partition of India and Pakistan was created as separate homeland for Muslims. East Pakistan inhabitated by Bengalee nation with distinct language and culture was separated from West Pakistan by thousands of miles. So, Pakistan was an unrealistic state from the very beginning.

Since, the very inception, Pakistan rulers denied democratic and national rights, declared itself as Islamic Republic in 1956 and military rule was imposed from 1958. Rulers tried to subjugate Bengalees politically, culturally and economically with resultant united popular struggle for democracy, autonomy and for upholding secular cultural identity.

In first-ever national parliamentary election held in 1970, Bengalee nationalist forces lead by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman won landslide victory and his Awami League became majority party in whole Pakistan. But military regime refused to accept electoral verdict; this lead in March '71 to non-cooperation movement in East Pakistan.

Then, in an attempt to crush the nationalist movement in East Pakistan, from the fateful night of 25th March 1971 Pakistan military initiated systemic genocide against Bengalee people. In this heinous attack rulers received support from handful of local religious fundamentalists.

In worst ever genocide, since Second World War, estimated 3 million were killed, some 200000 women were raped and 10 million had to take refuge in neighbouring India.

In this background, independence of Bangladesh was declared and elected representatives of 1970’s election from East Pakistan formed Bangladesh government on 10th April. Students and youth took military training and these Mukti Bahini (freedom fighters) fought back occupation forces under Sector Commanders. International condemnation of Pakistan atrocities came from governments, public leaders, cultural personalities and media. Unfortunately Nixon administration of United States and China supported Pakistan government, more from global strategic interests, while India and Soviet Union supported Bangladesh cause.

On 4th December, after Pakistan attacked western part of India, allied command of Indian armed forces and Bangladesh Freedom Fighters started armed assault. On 16th December 1971, Pakistan armed forces had to surrender to this allied command and independent Bangladesh was born as democratic secular state.

Evolution of Fundamental Principles of 1972 - Bangladesh Constitution

Bengalee nation struggled for democracy, secular values and national rights for years. Military rulers of Islamic Republic of Pakistan tried to deny democracy and national aspiration of Bengalees and even carried out systematic genocide in the name of religion. As a result, struggle of Bengalee people from language movement of 1952 to armed resistance in 1971, lead to emergence of Bangladesh as secular democratic nation state.

So, following fundamental principles of Bangladesh constitution of 1972 evolved through experiences of this popular struggle.

             - Democracy
             - Nationalism
             - Secularism

(Socialism was other fundamental principle. However this principle was generally considered for social justice particularly for the disadvantaged.)
Bangladesh people are still continuing the struggle to retain these principles against many odds.