Institute of Research and Training on National Solidarity: An Expectation and a Need

A strong foundation of national solidarity is built only when the citizens of a country rise above the differences in religion, caste, language, region, or ideology to work collectively for the national interest. Among the few fundamental forces driving a state’s development, stability, and democratic progress, national solidarity is one of the most critical. This practice of mutual cooperation, harmony, tolerance, and brotherhood helps a nation confront crises and advance along the path of development.

A review of Bangladesh’s history of social, political, and economic transformation reveals that national solidarity has repeatedly served as a primary driving force behind the country’s progress. The importance of national unity is immense across all spheres�"be it development, stability, or the flourishing of democracy. From the very inception of the state to various chapters of its democratic journey, the influence of this solidarity has been clearly reflected.

Under the umbrella of Bangladeshi nationalism, various ethnic minorities�"such as the Chakma, Marma, Santhal, and Tripura�"live alongside the Bengalis. Despite their diversity in language, culture, and heritage, they are all citizens of Bangladesh and contribute significantly to the country's social and cultural enrichment.

During the anti-British movement, national solidarity was a principal force in the movement for independence. Forgetting the differences of religion, caste, and profession, the people of the country got united to join the movement against British rule. As a result, the movement grew stronger and gained widespread public support. The collective efforts of people from various walks of life�"including students, farmers, laborers, and intellectuals�"played a vital role in building public opinion against British administration.

Subsequently, in the anti-Pakistan movement as well, national solidarity emerged as the greatest strength of the Bengali nation. To protect their language, culture, and just rights, people from all strata of society�"including students, farmers, laborers, teachers, and intellectuals�"united to participate in the Liberation War of 1971. This unity fortified the movement and ultimately paved the way for Bangladesh's independence. National solidarity was one of the prime forces in achieving Bangladesh’s independence. This unity strengthened patriotism and national identity, leading to the establishment of an independent Bangladesh.

Historical Experiences of National Solidarity and Future Imperatives
November 7, 1975, National Revolution and Solidarity Day, is a significant date in the history of Bangladesh that emphasizes the concepts of national unity and state stability. Following a period of unrest and crisis, this day is regarded as a defining chapter in the country's political transition and national consolidation. Under the leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, an environment of unity and solidarity was forged between the military and the general public. This reinforced efforts to safeguard the country's sovereignty and stability, and revitalized the spirit of national unity and patriotism, which subsequently played a major role in bringing stability to the political process.

Furthermore, the anti-autocracy movement of the 1990s sent a powerful message of national solidarity. Various political parties, student organizations, professionals, and ordinary citizens launched a united movement against autocracy. This unity played a critical role in making the movement successful and paved the way for the restoration of democracy.

Finally, the anti-fascist mass uprising of July 2024 stands out as another prominent example of national solidarity. In this uprising, despite differences in political opinions, social positions, or professional identities, students, professionals, and the general public stood shoulder-to-shoulder to demand just rights, equality, accountability, and the establishment of democratic values. This collective alignment of the people for the greater national interest can be viewed as a potent expression of national solidarity. The movement demonstrated that in times of crisis, the people of Bangladesh still possess the capacity to unite around shared interests and common goals.

The July movement showed us that national unity is not merely an emotional sentiment; rather, it is an indispensable institutional force required for state governance, social stability, and democratic development. The historical experiences of these movements and mass uprisings in Bangladesh present us with a clear reality regarding national solidarity. However, while this solidarity may emerge spontaneously, sustaining it over the long term requires research, policy-making, training, and institutional initiatives.

From that perspective, establishing a National Institute of Research and Training on National Solidarity in Bangladesh is no longer just an expectation, but a pressing need of the hour. Such an institution can play an effective role in cultivating a culture of national unity, social harmony, mutual respect, and democratic coexistence. In this regard, the recent policies, research-based initiatives, and institutional frameworks adopted by the Malaysian government to strengthen social harmony could serve as an exemplary and effective model for Bangladesh.

The July movement showed us that national unity is not merely an emotional sentiment; rather, it is an indispensable institutional force required for state governance, social stability, and democratic development.

The Malaysian Experience:
A Model to Follow
Malaysia is a country where higher education frequently takes center stage in national discourse. One reason for this is that Malaysia has long sought to leverage higher education to accelerate its economic development. The country's government has unveiled a new higher education blueprint for the next decade. It is an ambitious document containing 10 pillars or core themes that will guide the direction of the education system through 2035.

Given the complex landscape of the country's higher education policy, this is undoubtedly going to be a highly significant policy initiative. Malaysia has already announced the formulation of a 'Malaysia Harmony Charter' as the primary guideline for fostering interfaith and inter-ethnic relations and harmony. This initiative is expected to further strengthen national solidarity, aiming to build a peaceful and prosperous nation-state based on unity in diversity.

Additionally, the Malaysian government has undertaken initiatives to implement broader social cohesion and interaction through platforms such as social media and digital gaming. It has also accelerated nation-building activities to reinforce the national spirit and enrich the Malaysian identity.

To maintain national unity and social harmony, the Malaysian government operates various institutions, among which the InstitutKajiandanLatihan Integrasi Nasional (National Unity and Research Institute) plays a vital role. It primarily provides research and policy support to enhance unity and harmony among people of diverse races, religions, and cultures.

The core activities of this institution include conducting research on relations and harmony among different ethnic groups, assisting in policy formulation to enhance national solidarity, organizing training and awareness programs, analyzing the causes of social conflict, practicing tolerance through education and the media, and providing research-backed data to the government. The Malaysian government is currently upgrading this institution into a 'centre of excellence' aimed at strengthening patriotism and national identity.

A Timely Initiative for Bangladesh
National solidarity has acted as a critical force behind the success of various political and social movements throughout the history of Bangladesh. Whenever the public converged by casting aside differences of religion, caste, class, and profession, those movements achieved success. In other words, national solidarity was the primary driving force behind Bangladesh's historical movements.

Yet, it is equally true that Bangladesh's journey toward democracy and development has repeatedly faced crises, conflicts, and bloodshed. The country now faces new challenges in establishing a stable democracy and achieving sustainable development. To attain these goals, it is imperative to improve the overall unity ecosystem, strengthen relevant governance structures, and deliver accurate information to the citizens. Concurrently, ensuring the active involvement of general citizens, students, politicians, media professionals, academics, NGOs, and civil society representatives is essential to establishing harmony.

Against this backdrop, and drawing inspiration from Malaysia's experience, establishing a National Institute of Research and Training on National Solidarity in Bangladesh has become a need of the hour. Such an institution can play a pivotal role in providing an institutional foundation for national unity, harmony, and a democratic culture.