Of the peaceful, hopeful and optimistic Bangladeshis

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, hope is defined as a state of mind wherein "to want something to happen or be true and think that it could happen or be true". Hope is real when it materialises, as Emily Dickinson has described it as "the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings tune without the words and never stops at all."   
According to the British Dictionary, optimism can be defined as a "disposition or tendency to look on more favourable side of events or conditions and to expect the most favourable outcome; the belief that good ultimately dominates over evil in the world; the belief that goodness pervades reality; and the doctrine that the existing world is the best of all possible worlds."  Or according to the doctrine of Gottfried Leibiniz, optimism is based on the postulate that "God assuredly always chooses the best." The English word optimism is derived from the French word "optimise' and the Latin word 'optimus' meaning 'Superlative of Good.'
An individual can be characterised as a hopeful person when he lives in the realm of hope - real or imaginary. Likewise, a person can be called an optimist if he is endowed with the mental disposition quoted hereinbefore. While it might be easier for an individual to possess such mental attitude or disposition, how about a group of people or a nation when applied in a broader sense of the term.      
How about a group of people or a nation which can master and live in such a state of mind, even if temporarily?  The Bangladeshis are the most hopeful, peaceful and optimistic people as per a WIN/Gallup Survey.
The Survey conducted by the prestigious WIN/Gallup Poll reveals that Bangladesh is on the top of the 68 countries surveyed by them. In their Annual Report of year 2015, the renowned market research organisation has reported that Bangladesh has topped in the "Hope Index" category and has secured the second place in the "Economic Optimism Index" category out of the countries surveyed by them. In both the categories, Bangladeshis are ahead of all their SAARC partners including India and Pakistan. According to the results, 84 per cent of Bangladeshis expressed their hopefulness about the prospect of 2016 and 77 per cent expressed their optimism about the continued economic progress of the country. 66 per cent Bangladeshis were happy with their life although they could not get a berth in the Top Ten in the Happiness Index Category, and none in the South Asian region was included in the list.   
Perhaps an in-depth study and introspection would help understand the reasons of such a state of feel-good attitude of the Bangladeshis. Bangladesh has achieved the major goals set by the UN in its MDG programme well ahead of time scoring high marks in most of the indexes. Needless to mention that we are ahead of our sub- continental neighbours on this turf. With the robust growth in the economy and a healthy reserve position, this once impoverished nation has embarked on a path of economic development,  social and  economic empowerment, community and rural health programmes, universal education and development of infrastructure, just to name a few. Pragmatic fiscal policy and liberal financial management have ushered in a climate of business friendly atmosphere inviting greater volumes of FDI.
Battered by centuries of deprivation, illiteracy, over population and natural calamity, the new born Bangladeshi nation inherited a war-ravaged economy and impoverished infrastructure. Some doubted the very survival and existence of Bangladesh. Tragic departure of the founding fathers and the political uncertainty that ensued exacerbated the situation further. However, this populace of the largest deltaic habitat is blessed with a natural resilience and an instinct of survivability in the face of insurmountable odds. Bangladesh has turned around and turned around for the better.
This overpopulated country with an impoverished economy has started to show promising trends by already becoming a role model for many developing countries. With the Seventh Five Year Plan on the table and SDG on the Radar screen, the country is locked on to achieving middle income status guided by the Vision 2021 and the perspective plan. All indicators are pointing towards a rapid growth and sustainable development.
Although agriculture sector has performed wonders and the country has attained food autarky, there should not be illusion that we have achieved it all. Much needs to be done in the areas of nutrition, health care, education and social development. There are still huge shortcomings and gaps between where we are and where we want to be as a nation. Yet, Bangladeshis are the happiest, the most hopeful and the most optimistic nation.
Happiness is a state of mind that transcends materialistic wants and desires. Most Bangladeshis are a contented lot without much hankering. They believe in a simple, virtuous life style and not one of abundance and hedonism. That sense of feeling of happiness is one's own possession and one that is to be lived by him.  
Hope, on the other hand, is an abstract state of mind. It stems from one's own ability to believe in himself and his faith and confidence on the family, on the society and in the country at large. What is important about hope is that if it is fulfilled, the failure should strengthen the resolve of the expectant rather than throwing him into despair. Bangladeshis as a nation have proven that time and again. Sense of collective hopefulness is a contagious phenomenon. It flows from the leaders down to the masses.
The parameters for being optimistic either as an individual or as a group are not to be based on false premise, fleeting delusion or convincing paradox. Optimism must be based on tested facts and proven ability of a nation to perform at present and also to deliver and achieve in the future. Optimism, as opposed to the twin traits of happiness and hopefulness, is somewhat non-abstract and discernible. For a nation, it should also exude from the top leadership to lend the propelling force in the shape and form of guidance, credence and momentum.
So, what has led us to this happy fusion of the three coveted traits as a nation? Culture, obviously, is at the centre. Admittedly, all the traits are mutually conclusive but the one that stands out is the undiluted, unfettered and unflinching resolve of a nation which is the "Mantra" of optimism. The spirit of the War of Liberation that acted in galvanising the whole nation in 1971 is the core value that propels the nation still today.
The writer is a retired Air Commodore.
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