BANGLADESH鈥橲 history in recent centuries has been shaped by colonial rule. The Greater Bengal was under the British control from 1757 to 1947, leaving an indelible mark on its political, economic, social, cultural and intellectual life. The legacy of colonialism extends beyond the formal end of the British rule and continues to influence contemporary challenges and the frame of mind. These challenges also include sufferings from the post-1947 discriminatory and unjust political and economic treatment by the Pakistani ruling elite which ended up in a ruthless military campaign by its army in 1971 as well as the more recent direct political and cultural interference by Indian ruling elits. All this has left a profound effect on people鈥檚 psyche.
It is crucial that Bangladeshis should recognise and work to address the deep-rooted impact of the direct British rule and the post-colonial malfunction to actively pursue the decolonisation of its collective consciousness.
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Colonial legacy
THE British colonial period in Bengal, which now constitutes Bangladesh, was a national humiliation marked by unfathomable exploitation and the systematic demolition of society. Politically, colonialism imposed a system of governance that was designed to extract resources and maintain control rather than foster local development. The introduction of the zamindari system entrenched feudal land relation, creating a class of landlords who were loyal to the colonial authorities and often oppressive towards majority peasants. Although the system was revoked towards the end of the British raj, it exacerbated social inequalities and contributed to long-standing discontent amongst the population.
Economically, Bengal was transformed from a region of thriving local industries such as textiles into a supplier of raw materials for factories in Britain. The destruction of the local economy through policies such as the demolition of the muslin industry led to widespread poverty, a legacy that still haunts Bangladesh. The forced cultivation of cash crops such as indigo instead of essential food crops caused periodic famines, killing millions.
Culturally, the impact of colonialism was similarly pervasive. The British promoted a tailor-made western education and values system as a civilising mission designed to raise generations of people 鈥業ndian in blood and colour, but English in taste, in opinions, in morals, and in intellect.鈥� This seriously undermined and ruined indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices. A cultural hierarchy was created where privileged western norms and languages over local traditions led to a sense of inferiority amongst the people. Generations of British-educated elite arose who were often alienated from the masses, further widening social divisions.
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Decolonising the mind
DECOLONISING the mind is about identifying colonial systems, structures and relationships as well as finding ways to challenge them. This involves decontaminating systemic garbage from people鈥檚 mind before filling it with creative thought processes.
Much work has been done on this concept that was pioneered by Kenyan novelist, writer and scholar Ngugi wa Thiong鈥檕. In his phenomenal book, Decolonising the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Literature, he refers to challenging and dismantling the influence of colonialism on the mental, cultural, and intellectual frameworks of formerly colonised peoples. This involves questioning and resisting the dominance of colonial narratives, epistemology and values that were imposed upon indigenous people. The purpose is to reclaim and revive indigenous languages, knowledge systems and cultural practices that were marginalised or destroyed.
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Open and ambitious minds
DECOLONISATION is a cleansing process that involves breaking from the humiliating past. There needs to be a simultaneous process of reclaiming from the best of the past and carrying on the best activities in the present, especially those which are ethical and beneficial, to build a stronger society now and for the future.
For Bangladeshis who suffered immensely in history, decolonisation needs to have multi-faceted programmes in order to rescue and revitalise Bangladeshi indigenous knowledge, identities and practices. However, as the world undergoes profound changes, nurturing open and ambitious minds requires that successful nations adapt and evolve their creative pursuits.
Bangladeshis should prioritise activities in the following domains to break free from its shackles and achieve modern success:
Overhauling education system: by including a critical understanding of colonial history; highlighting the contributions of local heroes and resistance movements; encouraging questioning and making balanced judgements so that learners can grow with social, life and entrepreneurial skills.
Reclaiming indigenous knowledge systems: by recognising and valuing the pre-colonial rich traditions of local medicine, agriculture, and artisanal craft, to allow future generations to learn from and build upon their cultural heritage rather than viewing it as inferior to western knowledge.
Fostering political autonomy: by building a system of politics and governance that is truly representative of the people and rooted in local traditions of democracy and justice; reducing the influence of former colonial powers and international institutions; empowering to participate in decision-making processes; and ensuring accountability.
Advancing cultural diversity: by promoting Bangla, and other indigenous languages; celebrating and preserving the diverse cultural practices, arts, and traditions while respecting other languages and cultures; removing the lingering sense of inferiority and bringing a sense of pride in national identities.
Addressing economic inequities: by creating a self-reliant economy that addresses inequities through land reforms, promoting local industries, and reducing dependence on foreign aid and imports so that citizens can break free from corporate greed.
The long sufferings of Bangladesh under colonial rule and the decades of failure afterwards have left deep scars on its political, economic and social life. The process of decolonisation should offer a path toward healing and renewal. By reclaiming indigenous knowledge systems along with adopting the best from anywhere in the world, including the western system, Bangladesh can become great again. What is needed are open minds ready to achieve excellence 鈥� a mind is like a parachute; it only works if it is open, as the adage goes.
With a youthful and vibrant population that has succeeded in challenging and displacing a deeply entrenched family autocracy, Bangladesh has the ability to show the way to becoming a more just, equitable and self-reliant country.
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Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari is an educationalist and writer.
