Socialism in Bangladesh

In 2011, the term "socialism" and "socialist" were again redefined to make the constitution more in line with the original document,[8] but the country remained a liberal mixed economy.

Preamble briefly mentions the socialist principle and aim of the state:[9] "...Pledging that the high ideals of nationalism, socialism, democracy and secularism, which inspired our heroic people to dedicate themselves to, and our brave martyrs to sacrifice their lives in, the national liberation struggle, shall be the fundamental principles of the Constitution; Further pledging that it shall be a fundamental aim of the State to realise through the democratic process a socialist society, free from exploitation a society in which the rule of law, fundamental human rights and freedom, equality and justice, political, economic and social, will be secured for all citizens;..."Article 7 declares the people's relationship with the state:[2] "All powers in the Republic belong to the people, and their exercise on behalf of the people shall be effected only under, and by the authority of, this Constitution.

Earlier in 1950, Communist Party of Pakistan played a major role in labour strikes for the support of the language movement.

[13] The Communist Party, with support from the United front, formed a democratic government in East Pakistan.

However, these initiatives resulted a rise of left-wing insurgance in the country, and many anti-AL organizations broke out, like Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JaSaD) and Purba Banglar Sarbahara Party.

A people's militia named Jatiya Rakkhi Bahini (JRB) was formed to handle the insurgance, which eventually involved with extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and atrocities.

Using the powers granted to him by the fourth amendment of the constitution, he formed a new political party, Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BaKSAL).

Growing insurgency, political and economic mismanagements and JRB atrocities formed an anti-Mujibist and anti socialist sentiment in the military.

[citation needed] After the assassination of Mujib in 1975, new military leaders launched a de-Mujibization and liberalization programme develop a capitalist society.

During the years of military rule that followed under Ziaur Rahman (1975-1981) and Hussain Muhammad Ershad (1982-1990), socialist policies and rhetoric were abandoned.

Economic policies aimed at encouraging private enterprise and investment, privatising public industries, reinstating budgetary discipline, and liberalising the import regime were accelerated.

[26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33] Awami League, the party which one time promoted socialism in the country, is currently encouraging free market economy and foreign investment.

In 1991, AL president and Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina noted that socialism was a failed system.

The four stars in the National Emblem of Bangladesh represent the four fundamental principles of the constitution: nationalism, socialism, secularism, and democracy. Like most other socialist countries, sheaves of paddy in the borders represent the agricultural workers as a symbol of socialism.
Socialist parties played an influential role in staging the massive protests for the Bengali Language Movement which led the destruction of Muslim League in East Pakistan, 1950s.
JaSaD protesters at an opposition rally in 2005