Bangladesh Stands Against Hegemonism
November 7, 1975, is an important day in the political history of Bangladesh. The memory of the Sepoy-People’s Revolution still holds a special place among people who believe in nationalism, democracy, opposition to domination and Bangladesh’s independent identity. Those who oppose one-party rule, political repression, the misuse of state institutions and foreign influence over Bangladesh’s internal affairs see this day as more than a historical event. It is also a reminder of national dignity, people’s rights and the identity of an independent state.
The greatest strength of an independent country is its people, and its greatest asset is its sovereignty. Independence does not simply mean having land, a national flag or international recognition. True independence means having the right to decide the country’s future. No political party, person, group or foreign power should control this right. The events of November 7 raise an important question: Was Bangladesh truly run by the will of its people, or did a particular country and group influence state power and political decisions?
Bangladesh achieved independence through the Liberation War of 1971. Its main goals were political rights, economic freedom, social dignity and the right to decide its own future. However, the country faced many problems after independence. The war-damaged economy, weak administration, corruption, poor law and order, food shortages and the 1974 famine made life difficult for ordinary people. Public anger also grew over the government’s political decisions.
In January 1975, the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution replaced the parliamentary system with a presidential system. Later, BAKSAL introduced a one-party political system. The government said these steps were needed for stability and administrative reform. However, opposition parties and critics saw them as a way to limit political diversity, freedom of speech and democratic rights. This experience teaches us that democracy, accountability and citizens’ rights must be protected to uphold the dignity of independence.
On August 15, 1975, a political change took place following the fall of BAKSAL. On November 3, another military coup took place under Brigadier Khaled Mosharraf. Divisions within the army and political uncertainty grew. On November 7, a group of soldiers revolted at Dhaka Cantonment. The JSD’s Revolutionary Soldiers’ Organisation and Colonel Abu Taher were linked to the revolt. Khaled Mosharraf lost power, and Major Ziaur Rahman was freed from captivity. He later became a central figure in Bangladesh’s politics.
As ordinary people also joined some of the soldiers, the day became known as the Sepoy-People’s Revolution. Many people in the nationalist political camp see it as a turning point and an important background to the growth of multi-party politics. However, all those who took part did not share the same political goals. Abu Taher’s revolutionary socialist ideas were different from the nationalist political path that later grew around Ziaur Rahman. Therefore, November 7 should be understood in the wider context of the soldiers’ revolt, the struggle for military power and political change.
India’s role in Bangladesh’s politics is an important and sensitive issue. India’s contribution to the 1971 Liberation War was historically important, although some believe that India’s own interests were also involved. After independence, the two countries had differences over shared river water, deaths along the border, trade, border management, security and regional politics. Many people in Bangladesh want relations with India to be based on mutual respect, equality and national interests. Friendship with a neighbouring country does not mean giving up one’s own interests. It must be based on equal status, cooperation and respect for each other’s sovereignty.
The people of Bangladesh have the right to criticise any agreement or policy that goes against their interests. Bangladesh has a fair claim to its share of water from common rivers, border safety, balanced trade, transparent energy cooperation and independent decisions in international affairs. Friendship between the people of Bangladesh and India is different from criticism of Indian state policies or attempts to increase its influence. Bangladesh should not show hatred towards the people of a neighbouring country. Instead, it should seek equality and fairness in relations between the two states. Its foreign policy should follow the principle of friendship with all, but loyalty to none. There should be no compromise on national interests or mutual respect.
Opposing one-party rule and the misuse of power at home is also a normal political right in a democracy. Public trust weakens when election competition is limited, opposition parties face barriers, the media cannot work freely or state institutions serve party interests. The one-party system of 1975 remains an important lesson in Bangladesh’s history. Opposing one-party rule does not simply mean keeping a particular party out of power. It means building a state where no party can treat the country as its own property.
In this context, the BNP’s idea of Bangladeshi nationalism is important. This political idea grew under Ziaur Rahman’s leadership, and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party was founded in 1978. Its political views give importance to national sovereignty, multi-party democracy, economic self-reliance and Bangladesh’s own identity.
Building a Bangladesh with its own identity means more than resisting foreign influence. It also means ensuring political rights, economic strength, cultural identity, social justice and the rule of law. Muslims are the majority in Bangladesh, but Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and people of all other religious and cultural groups are equal citizens. The state must protect their safety, religious freedom, political rights and cultural dignity. No political or religious idea should go against the equal rights and human dignity of citizens.
The administration, police, courts, election system and educational institutions must work according to the law and public interest, not party loyalty. Economic independence is equally important. Farmers need fair prices, workers need safe and respectful workplaces, young people need jobs, entrepreneurs need fair opportunities, and ordinary people need relief from rising prices. A country may be politically independent, but its independence remains incomplete if it cannot make its own economic decisions, corruption wastes public money and citizens are denied justice.
The main lesson of November 7 is not blind hatred towards any foreign country or blind loyalty to any political party. Bangladesh must make its own decisions, its people must remain the owners of the state, and power must be based on democracy, accountability and the rule of law. Bangladesh should be free from domination and authoritarian rule. It should be a democratic, independent and sovereign country where the will of the people, national interests and state dignity come first—not foreign influence or the absolute control of any political party.
The writer: Journalist and human rights activist
