BRAC INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGES Bangladesh Studies · Faraizi Movement First War of Independence, 1857 Lecture 4: British Colonial Bengal: Aspects of Nationalist Politics during Colonial

BRAC INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGES

Bangladesh Studies

“A man's country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a

principle; and patriotism is loyalty to that principle.”

George William Curtis

Spring 2018

Savar Campus

Total Class: 21

Instructor: Dr. Rashed Uz Zaman ([email protected]),Mr. Sayed Abu Touab Shakir

([email protected]), Ms. RifatJahan([email protected]), Mr. Md. Shamsuddoha

([email protected]), Mr. Md. Istiaque Hossain Molla ([email protected]), Ms.

Syeda Fatima Zamila([email protected]), ms. Nasrin sultana([email protected]),

ms. Shahinur Bashar([email protected])

Office Hours:09:00am-03:30pm

I. Rationale:

This course has been designed for under graduate student to help them learn the rich history of

Bangladesh, to understand present Bangladesh in the light of history and to provide them with

basic knowledge of current politics and economy of the country. This course will deepen

students understanding of complex interconnection of historical events which lead to the

formation of Bangladesh, current trend in political and economic development thereby

improving critical thinking along with their written and oral communication skills, quantitative

skills and technical literacy. It will also enhance their understanding of current phenomena in the

light of history which will make them responsible global citizen.

II. Course Aims and Outcomes:

Aims

The course intends to equip students with factual knowledge and analytical skills that will enable

them to learn and critically appreciate history, politics, and economy of Bangladesh. It will trace

the historical root of Bangladesh as an independent state focusing on the social, economic and

political developments that have taken place since its independence.

It will also identify the major socio-economic, political, environmental and developmental issues

that have arisen during this period, before assessing the progress over time.

Specific Learning Outcomes:

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By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:

Identify specific stages of Bangladesh’s political history, through the ancient, medieval,

colonial and post-colonial periods and critically analyse plurality of cultural identities of

Bangladesh.

Critically analyse and present cogent argument on why tensions and contestations

between and among social groups may emerge within and among states both in written

and oral form.

Critically analyse how different constitutional bodies and socio-political institutions

operate and how their behavior impact on political governance.

Explain the economy and patterns of economic changes through qualitative and

quantitative analysis. This will increase their awareness on global issues of development

processes and the nature of environmental challenges including ways to address them

effectively.

Appreciate the role of NGOs and civil society in developing new models and pathways to

resolve the range of development challenges that the country is currently facing.

III. Format and Procedures:

The course is divided into three broad thematic areas i.e. history, contemporary issues and

development of Bangladesh. The contents are covered by lectures, group discussions and

presentations by the students. Lectures are delivered in an interactive way and students must take

part in it. For this, they are advised to go through the reading material before each class and

participate during the class hours. Few class tests might be taken to know students understanding

of the lectures without prior notice. Students are required to take part in blog weekly as part of

their class participation. Moreover, two quizzes will be taken without any make up option and

both will be counted.

Students must cooperate with each other and practice empathy in their behavior. They are

expected to be punctual and attend the entire class. Their duty is to practice and promote the

tenets of social capital. Disciplinary actions will be taken for any kind of violation of code of

conduct. Plagiarism is an offence. Therefore, plagiarized work will be punished.

IV. Assumptions

We assume that the contents covered in this course help students to be patriotic and conscious

citizen of the country. First few classes on the historical background of Bangladesh enables them

to understand the society, culture and own identities. It gives them insight into present day

problems along with learning from the past. Lectures on contemporary issues make them critical

thinker and promote their in-depth analysis capacity. On the other hand, discussion on

development of Bangladesh makes them proud. They reflect on individual ideas and evaluate

those by using local and global resources. This creates a scope for them to think about their

responsibility towards the country.

V. Course Requirements:

1. Class attendance and participation policy:

• Attendance for all classes is mandatory. Students should remember that they will not be

allowed to take the midterm and final examinations unless they have at least 90% attendance.

If students are more than 5 minutes late for class, they will be marked absent. Students arriving

late for 3 classes will be registered as absent for one day. Students absent for 4 days will be

withdrawn from the course.

• Students are expected to take part in classroom discussion. Five marks are allocated for

this purpose.

• Completion of the extended learning activities

• Meeting assignment and group presentation deadlines

• Co-operation with peers in all activities

• To be proactive in academic activities

• Attend study hour

• In case of absentee, students must complete the outstanding work when they will return

• Seek help when needed and practice the art of questioning

• Being punctual for consultations and tutorial classes

• Students must sing the National Anthem.

2. Course readings:

a) Required text: students must purchase the reading material from the library and carry that

in each class along with other required stationary e.g. pen and paper.

b) Students are supposed to follow the books mentioned in class by the teacher for further

reading.

VI. Grading Procedures:

Learning Component

Marks

Final Written Examination 25

Midterm Examination 20

Quiz

Political History

Liberation War Museum and Lalbagh Fort Visit

8 8

Viva 10

BRAC Visit

Reflection Attendance

5

Attendance in the National Anthem 2

Class and Blog Participation 5

Group Presentation / Assignment Submission

Good Governance 5

Development 5

Active Participation in:

Drama on the History of Bangladesh

2

Class Attendance Active Participation in: Story of BRAC Five Decades of Development Environment, Governance and Development

2

3

Total

100

VII. Academic Integrity

Any work submitted by a student in this course for academic credit must be the student’s own

work.

You are encouraged to study together and to discuss information and concepts covered in lecture

and the sections with other students. You can give ‘consulting’ help to or receive ‘consulting’

help from such students. However, this permissible cooperation should never involve one student

having possession of a copy of all or part of work done by someone else, in the form of an e-

mail, an e-mail attachment file, a diskette, or a hard copy.

If copying occurs, both the student who copied work from another student and the student who

gave material to be copied will automatically receive ‘F’ (Fail) grade for the assignment. Penalty

for violation of this code can also be extended including failure of the course and University

disciplinary action.

During examinations, you must do your own work. Talking or discussion is not permitted during

the examinations, nor may you compare papers, copy from others, or collaborate in any way.

Any collaborative behavior during the examinations will result in failure of the exam, and may

lead to failure of the course and University disciplinary action.

VIII. Accommodations for students with disabilities

Students with disabilities are treated with extra care. Individual tutorial and make-up

examinations are generally arranged for disable and seriously sick or injured students. In addition

to that other special facilities are also taken i.e. arranging examination at medical centre.

IX. Tentative Course Schedule (May change to accommodate guest presenters and

students’ need)

Dates/Topics/ Assignments Readings to be discussed January 9

Icebreaking and Introduction to the Course

Course outline from the booklet

January 13

Story of BRAC

www.brac.net

annual report of BRAC

January 14

Pre-Muslim Phase (Ancient period-1204)

History of Bengal: Muslim Phase (from 1204 to

1757)

Specific chapter from the booklet,

additional readings from course

packet and library

January 16

Political History of British Colonial Bengal (1757-1857)



packet and library

January 18

Outdoor Activity: A visit to BRAC program

www.brac.net


and visit

January 21

BRAC Program Visit Group Process

www.brac.net


and visit

January 23

British Colonial Bengal: Aspects of Nationalist Politics

during the Colonial Rule



packet and library

January 28

Post Colonial Nationalist Resistance: Pakistan Period and

the Growth of Nationalism



packet and library

January 30

Emergence of Bangladesh: Liberation War of 1971



packet and library

February 4

Political Development and Democratic Transition

(1971-1990)



packet and library

February 6

Political Development (1991- Present)



packet and library

February 10

A drama on History of Bangladesh

Based on midterm syllabus

http://www.brac.net/



February 11

Constitution of Bangladesh: Draft, Basic Features and

Amendments



packet and library

February 13

Review-1

Midterm (Equivalent to 2 classes / spread over the

week)

Midterm syllabus

February 15

Outdoor Activity : A visit to Lalbagh Fort and

Liberation War Museum



packet, library and visit.

February 25

Public Administration in Bangladesh



packet and library

February 27

State of Good Governance in Bangladesh


additional readings and daily news

papers

March 3

A session on ‘Environment, Governance and

Development’

Lecture by guest speaker. Specific

chapter from the booklet, additional

readings from course packet and

library

March 4

Students’ Presentation on State of Good Governance in

Bangladesh


additional readings and daily news

papers

March 6

Development Concepts

The Emergence of ‘Development’ as

a Concept

Shifting Paradigms and Development

Actors

Development trends in Bangladesh

Human Development Index(HDI)

Sustainable Development Goals

Sector wise Development and Progress of the

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on

the following sectors:

Economy of Bangladesh

Education



packet and library

March 10 Provided by the instructor

A session on ‘Five Decades of Development’

March 11

Sector wise Development and Progress of the

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on

the following sectors:

Health

Environment and Climate Change

Women Empowerment



packet and library

March 13

Students’ Presentation on sector wise development in

Bangladesh



packet and library

March 18

Review 2: Revision and Wrapping-up of the Course

Whole syllabus

DEV 101: Bangladesh Studies

Course Structure and Lecture Schedule

Section 1: Introduction:

Lecture 1: Icebreaking and Introduction to the Course

Section 2: Political History up to 1971:

Lecture 2: History of Ancient Bengal: Pre-Muslim and Muslim Phase

Independent Janapadas

Dynasties & their Achievements

Socio-Economic Structure

The Difference between the Pala and the Sena Dynasties

Fall of Hindu Dynastic Rule

Achievements of the Independent Sultanate of Bengal

Socio-Economic Structure

Mughal Imperial Expansion and Resistance of the Bara Bhuiyans

Background to the Battle of Palashi and the Role of NawabSirajuddaula

Lecture 3: British Colonial Bengal: Aspects of Nationalist Politics during Colonial Rule

(1757-1857)

The Beginning of British Rule, Palashi and its Aftermath

Fakir Sanyasi Rebellion

Indigo Revolt

Santal Rebellion

Titu Meer’s Revolt

Faraizi Movement

First War of Independence, 1857

Lecture 4: British Colonial Bengal: Aspects of Nationalist Politics during Colonial Rule

(1905-1947)

First Partition of Bengal (1905) and Swadeshi Movement: Its Proponents and

Opponents

Birth of the Muslim League

FazlulHuq’sKrishak-Praja Party-Led Peasant Mobilization

Pakistan Movement: From Birth of the Muslim League to the Lahore

Resolution of 1940

Tebhaga Movement

Second Partition of Bengal(1947): Causes, Processes and Consequences

Lecture 5: Post-Colonial Nationalist Resistance: Pakistan Period and the Growth of

Nationalism in Bangladesh

The Language Movement

The United Front

Ayub Regime

Education Movement

Six-Point Program

11 Point Demand and Student-Led Mass Movement, 1969

The March Non-Cooperation Movement, 1971

Massacre of the Pakistan Army and Declaration of Independence

Lecture 6: Emergence of Bangladesh: Liberation War of 1971

Beginning of War: Spontaneous Resistance and Retreat

Bangladesh Government in Exile or the Mujibnagar Government

War Strategies, Military Organizations and the Various Forces

Final Phase of the War, Fall of Dhaka and the Surrender of the Pakistan Army

Section 3: Government &Politics:

Lecture 7: Political Development and Democratic Transition (1971-1990)

Consolidation of Bangladesh

Mujib Regime

Zia Regime

Ershad Regime

Mass Upsurge and the Fall of Ershad

Critical Analysis of Different Regimes

Lecture 8: Review-1

Midway review of Lectures

Preparation for the Midterm Exam

Midterm: Midterm Examination

Syllabus Review

Equivalent to 2 classes / spread over the week

Lecture 9: Political Development (1991- Present)

Structural Features of Politics: Dynamics of Two Political Parties

Transition to Democracy: Achievements and Challenges

Regime of Khaleda Zia

Regime of Sheikh Hasina

The Caretaker Government Issue and the Transitional Period

Critical Analysis of Different Regimes

Lecture 10: Constitution of Bangladesh: Draft, Basic Features and Amendments

Bangladesh Constitution: Framing of the Constitution in 1972

Basic Features of the Constitution, Amendments of the Constitution

Lecture 11: Public Administration in Bangladesh

Structure and function of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary in Bangladesh

Lecture 12: State of Good Governance in Bangladesh: Characteristics and Problems

Good Governance: Indicators

Good Governance in Bangladesh: Field Realities

Problems of Good Governance in Bangladesh

Lecture 13: Good Governance in Bangladesh: A Case Study

Student Presentation

Section 4: Development:

Lecture 14: Development Concepts

The Emergence of ‘Development’ as a Concept

Shifting Paradigms and Development Actors

Development trends in Bangladesh

Human Development Index(HDI)

MDGs

SDGs

Sector wise Development and Progress of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

on the following sectors:

Economy of Bangladesh

Education

-Structural features: Agriculture, Industry and the Service Sector

-Financial Services to the Poor

-Major Achievements and Challenges in economic development

-Achievements in Education sector, Non-formal and primary education, girls

education, increasing literacy

-Government-Non-Government coordination, role of the NGOs, new models

of development

Lecture 15: Sector wise Development and Progress of the Millennium Development Goals

(MDGs) on the following sectors:

Health

Environment and Climate Change

Women Empowerment

-Successes in Health sector: ORS, EPI, population control, reduced mortality

-Major environmental threats with particular focus on climate change

-Water sharing treaty with India and its challenges

-Impact of environmental degradation and climate change on community

livelihood, coping strategies by the local communities

-State of environmental movements and resistance

-Women in Bangladesh: Social and legal status

-Contribution of women in the socio-economic and political development

-Empowerment of Women: Micro-credit, income-generation, legal

empowerment and other rights

-Role of NGOs: Case of BRAC and Grameen Bank in women empowerment

-Role of women organizations

-From Millennium Development Goals to Sustainable Development Goals

Lecture 16: Development Interventions: Presentation by the Students

Lecture 17: BRAC Program Visit Reflection

Lecture 18: Review 2: Revision and Wrapping-up of the Course

Final review of Lectures

Preparation for the Final Exam

Types of Question and Rubric for Answer

Types of Question Components of the Rubric

Factual Factual answers often require specific information from text (e.g.

name, date, and year) and/or relevant statistics from an authentic

source.

Cited information should be properly referenced, including:

The authors name, title of the text, publication date and publisher

etc.

Opinion based Opinions should be presented logically, including relevant

examples to justify your claim.

Critical analysis Identify causes and effects to show the positive and negative

impact of the events and processes you are analyzing. This will

help to justify the logic of your argument.

Case Study Identify and analyze the crucial points of the case and link these

with relevant theories/methodological approaches, using

examples to defend your opinion will bring good marks.

Evaluative Causes, description of the incident (When, where, who, how),

causes of failure or success and significance of the incident

Example of the Answer Evaluation

Levels of Effectiveness

Short

answer

2: Complete

All

components

present

1.5:Extensive

Most

components

present

1: Moderate

Some

components

present

0.5: Limited

Few

components

present

0: Zero

No

components

present

Broad

answer

8: Complete

All

components

present

6:Extensive

Most

components

present

4: Moderate

Some

components

present

2: Limited

Few

components

present

0: Zero

No

components

present

General instructions for maintaining rubric:

Sentence should be grammatically correct.

Students should avoid spelling mistakes

Use contemporary examples from different sources such as newspapers or reliable

websites.

Avoid digressing from the topic.

GOOD LUCK!

BRAC INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGES Bangladesh Studies · Faraizi Movement First War of Independence, 1857 Lecture 4: British Colonial Bengal: Aspects of Nationalist Politics during Colonial

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