Search Results for political islam national identity secularism security bangladesh indian myanmar south asia

Abstract

Islam which is the religion of the majority people of Bangladesh, situated in the heart of Hindu-dominated India, has a great role in forming the national identity building despite the bitter experience of Pakistan rule in the name of Islam. Since national identity is the single most factor which acts intrinsically and extrinsically for protecting a nation from diverse threats, Bangladesh from the birth has been swinging between two contesting ideologies secularism and Islam till to date. With the change of power game, emphasis on redefining the national identity or its tendency has played a vital role in understanding the national security threats and respond to the threats. This study explored the relationship between Islam, national identity and national security of Bangladesh. Analyzing the historical events, the study found the prime ingredient of the national identity of Bangladesh is Islam and language. The study investigates two regimes BNP-Jamaat rule 2001-2006 and the Awami League-led secular forces rule 2014-2018 to understand the relationship between the ideology and national security. The study found Islam as a vital element for protecting national security and diffusing internal or external threats.