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Wajeeha Ashfaq
Voices of unified Bengal are raised by Intellectuals and primarily the grassroots movements in Bangladesh and West Bengal of India from time to time. A shared culture and language is what binds West Bengal with its neighbour, fostering a desire to preserve and promote Bengali identity. Some Bengal nationalists from both regions argue in favour of reunification, stemming from common cultural and linguistic heritage, historical relations, the motivation to preserve culture, improve economic and social cohesion, and bridge investigative divides. However, the feasibility of such aspirations to become real depends on geopolitical factors and political backing, both of which are limited.
The feasibility of such aspirations to become real depends on geopolitical factors and political backing, both of which are limited.
While the idea of a united Bengal is an emotional call for many cultural togetherness, its political prospects of becoming a reality are bleak. Is there enough political appetite for a united Bangladeshi nation to compensate even if some cultural icons and grassroots movements may dream of one? Geopolitical, cultural, and economic factors make reunification highly improbable.
The spiral of violence in the region has roots in the complex political landscape, where Hindu nationalism under the BJP and different ethnic loyalties have fueled communal tensions. This vision also clashes with the vision that inspired independent India, which sought to replace British rule with a national identity founded on principles rather than Hindu cultural practices and lore.
The spiral of violence in the region has roots in the complex political landscape, where Hindu nationalism under the BJP and different ethnic loyalties have fueled communal tensions.
Despite the strong cultural background between Bangladesh and West Bengal, there are significant obstacles to reunification. Adding to the complexity is the recent political unrest that has rocked Bangladesh, with violence against supporters of the ruling Awami League. This unrest has impacted both Hindu and Muslim supporters of Awami League, but the Indian narrative especially under BJP rule has twisted it and framed it as an assault on religious minorities. Indian leaders like Amit Shah have stoked this narrative to drive a wedge among communities, riding roughshod over the reality that the violence is more politically than religiously motivated.
Amidst this backdrop, a new wave of activists, largely from Generation-Z, is advocating for an even wider movement. They are the new who transcends the old. They envision a Bangladesh that goes beyond community divisions and adheres to its secular ethos. Their efforts counter the BJP’s narrative and help keep alive a vision of cultural solidarity among Bengalis, even if political unity remains an unlikely possibility.
Their efforts counter the BJP’s narrative and help keep alive a vision of cultural solidarity among Bengalis, even if political unity remains an unlikely possibility.
The rise of Hindu Nationalism in India under the BJP has significant broader implications for the secular fabric of the country and the Bengali identity in West Bengal. Statements by leaders like Amit Shah have further stoked communal tensions and narratives around reunification. As India moves closer to abandoning its secular basis, the cultural identity that connects Bengalis on both sides of the border finds itself under new pressure. The BJP’s Hindutva-centric politics endangers this cultural bond.
In theory, even though the dream of a single unified Bengal may continue to echo into cultural memory just like Bengali culture does worldwide. However, it is more likely fated as an aspiration than a political reality. Much of the impetus for this aspiration is drawn from a common and shared cultural and linguistic base, but the political and economic challenges to re-unification are immense. In that respect, the international community must support efforts to foster their cultural ideals, even if the prospect of political unity seems remote. It is this spirit that has kept Bengali identity unbowed, as evidenced by the 1971 Liberation War, with hope continuing to inspire a future wherein cultural unity transcends political divisions.
Wajeeha Ashfaq is a student of International Relations (IR).. She regularly contributes to various newspapers and writes for them on topics related to international relations, politics, and current events.
