Asserting the Bengali way of life

The geographical territory that now constitutes sovereign Bangladesh came under conquests and influences by the external powers for six or seven centuries from the thirteen century onwards. The same left imprints on it. The colonial British rule lasted later for two hundred years. This period left European influences on its polity. Next came the Pakistani interregnum when also Bangladesh, known at that time as East Pakistan, was subjected to alien cultural influences. Thus, Bangladesh today is a heterogeneous society. But this heterogeneity notwithstanding, the Bangladesh society is also pulsated by its original language, culture, traditions and norms rooted in the soil and tracing back many centuries. The observance of Bengali new year today on the first day of the Bengali month of Baishakh as heralding the start of the year in Bengali fashion, is one such cultural event that expresses the country’s unique culture and identity.
The observance of the Bengali new year or Pahela Baishakh, every year, marks this nation’s zest to assert its Bengali way of life. Globalisation, technological changes, migration and other factors are eroding considerably national or cultural identities. While there is some merit or inevitability in the process, the true internationalist says that one must first be a good nationalist before trying to be an internationalist. This is because without love, commitment or attachment to one’s own country, a sense of belonging and striving by its people to improve conditions at their points of origin, there would be only a more non-uniformly developed world. Besides, who can sensibly suggest that a culturally uniform world will not be monotonous whereas we can surely have a more culturally interesting, vibrant and enjoyable world with cultural diversity. There are common ideals and ways of organisation that human societies in different countries may seek for their common benefit. But this search for common ground ought not to sacrifice the varied cultures and identities of the world’s peoples .
The unique culture of a people and the eagerness to defend it lend to the people of a country a great spirit called patriotism. Harnessing or utilising this force well, it can achieve miracles to improve the lot of its people. Thus, the quest to preserve and promote the national culture and identity through due observance of occasions such as Pahela Baishakh and the like makes preeminent sense.
The religious faith of an overwhelmingly large majority of the population of Bangladeshi is Islam. But this has, in no way, ever conflicted with the sociological and cultural aspirations and traditions of its people who are Bengalis. Muslims and non-Muslims in the population of Bangladesh share alike their common identity as Bengalis. This factor is indeed the glue that binds them together in their love for the country, identification with it and provides the spirit to work unitedly for its advancement in various fields. Thus, the Bengali features of Bangladeshi are among the country’s greatest assets.
The revolution in the communications and entertainment industries has led to the emergence of a form of global culture. The dynamics of business or exploiting of economic opportunities also require open national societies and cultural free flow or assimilations. However, these realities or requirements do not negate either the need for policies to try to promote vigorously the positive elements of Bangladesh’s own culture.