Nation Building Problems in Bangladesh : A Socio-Economic-Political Perspective

Contents: Acknowledgement. Preface. Introduction. 1. Minorities of Bangladesh and their alienation. 2. Religious symbolism and problems of national identity. 3. Nationalism: conflicts in political perceptions. 4. Elite-mass gap: a stigma of the nation. 5. Legitimacy crises: a handicap in nation building. Conclusion. Appendices. Bibliography. Index.

"At birth Bangladesh was a homogenous nation state with a promise to make every house a happy home. But soon after its birth, schismatic tendencies developed because of the ill motive and machinations of certain political forces.

The lack of a clear perception of the civil society and of the politicians about Bengali nationalism and nation state of Bangladesh, resulted in some ambiguity about their identity.

Additionally, the military rulers during their term of office impaired the constitution and dichotomized the nation in order to create their own power base. The ultimate result is a dichotomized nation. All initiatives to reverse the trend in conformity with the fundamental spirit of the War of Liberation, have only aggravated the situation today to a more complex and contentious one.

Meanwhile, the citizen\'s of the country played the role of spectators. They have witnessed unprecedented corruption, terrorism and Islamic fundamentalism which have pushed the state to the verge of a failed state. The author in the present book makes an earnest endeavour to explain the process of dichotomy and have suggested ways towards achieving the goals of the War of Liberation, so as to put the course of history right and embrace unity, peace and prosperity of the People of Bangladesh." (jacket)