Conservatism in Bangladesh

Conservatism in Bangladesh refers to the Bangladeshi variant of conservatism (Bengali: রক্ষণশীলতাবাদ).

Conservative politics in post-independence Bangladesh began mainly in the late-1970s and remained dominant till now.^{[citation needed]} Early conservatives promoted national, social and religious conservatism, claiming Bangladeshi nationalism as its core value.^{[citation needed]} It "represents a mixture of traditional Bengali customs and moderate Islam".^[1] Though "language and culture was at the core of Bangladeshi national identity, most people still identified as religious."^[2] Upon taking power, Ziaur Rahman, founding chairman of BNP, introduced a state-sponsored Islamisation that impacted significantly on society and culture.^[1] However, radical conservatives oppose western culture, calling it "alien culture", and seek to establish a religion-based state.^[3]

Bangladeshi society remains highly socially conservative in compared to the western society.^[4] According to bdnews24.com, most Bangladeshis oppose homosexuality, same-sex marriage, gambling and drinking alcohol.^[5] In recent years, "a puritan, ritualistic version of Islam" has gained prominence in the country,^[6] which overwhelms people's support for conservatism.^{[citation needed]} Most recently in 2024, widespread revival of conservative Islam was observed among Bangladeshi youths, particularly due to the ousted Awami League government's imposition of secularisation policies.^[7]

See also

• Islamization in Bangladesh
• Liberalism in Bangladesh