International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160     Impact Factor: 9.24

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 7, Issue 4 (July-August 2025) Submit your research before last 3 days of August to publish your research paper in the issue of July-August.

Paradigm Shift in Attitude: From Pakistan to Bengali Nationalism

Author(s) Prof. Dr. Murshida Bintey Rahman
Country Bangladesh
Abstract The people of East Bengal played a significant role in the creation of Pakistan in 1947. However, just 23 years later, East Bengal separated from Pakistan and established an independent Bangladesh following a violent conflict. This article delves into the essential factors that contributed to the rise of Bangladeshi nationalism as a counterpoint to Pakistani nationalism. The primary aim of this article is to analyze the reasons behind the emergence of Bengali nationalism, which disproved the validity of the two-nation theory — a foundational concept that posited Hindus and Muslims as separate nations. This disillusionment propelled the people of East Bengal toward the pursuit of a secular national identity. In developing this narrative, a connection has been made with Benedict Anderson’s influential theory of imagined communities, which posits that nations are socially constructed through shared experiences and collective imagination among their members. Through this lens, the article explores how a shared history, culture, and language united the Bangladeshi people in their quest for self-determination. Utilizing a historical research methodology, this article draws upon an array of data obtained from scholarly publications, books, and other relevant literature. The findings presented herein will elucidate how the rise of Bangladesh as an independent nation-state in South Asia marks a significant chapter in both regional history and the broader narrative of nationalism. Through this exploration, the article emphasizes the importance of cultural identity and collective memory in shaping the political aspirations of the Bangladeshi people.
Keywords Nationalism, Pakistan Movement, Bengali Muslims, Lahore Resolution, Nation-building
Field Arts
Published In Volume 7, Issue 4, July-August 2025
Published On 2025-07-22
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i04.51568
Short DOI https://doi.org/g9t2bb

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