Nationalism is a necessary force providing identity to a distinct community or region. Whether this identity would lead to the formation of a separate nationality or a separate nation would depend upon the genuineness and strength of the ethos of nationalism. Bangladesh offers a unique case of the gradual growth and build up of a nation in search of a definite identity. The role of different nations may be interpreted differently in the evolution of different nations. In the case of Bangladesh however, it is evident that different points of time which effectively contributed to the growth of national consciousness. Sheikh Mujib, the architect of the sovereign country of Bangladesh introduced the notion of secular nationalism. The post of Mujib ear presents a very interesting though inevitable shift form secular nationalism to Islamic nationalism under Zia and Ershad. Bangladesh has witnessed changing regimes and political settings which have played their role in the build up of its identity from time to time. While the rule of BNP has politicized the issue of Islam to gain popular support, the rule of Sheikh Hasina has eulogized the role of language and culture. However, its evolution as a nation with a secular fabric has been curtailed by fundamental forces which consider Islam as the only basis of unity. This book gives an in-depth analysis of the changing patterns of the nature, role and dynamics of nationalism in spite of challenges from competing identities.
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