The Continuing Legacy of the Liberation War: Youth Perceptions on National Identity and Civic Awareness in Bangladesh

The Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971 signified the dawn of a new era of liberty and sovereignty. The nine-month-long bloody war was a natural fallout of West Pakistan's muddled politics, cultural repression, and lopsided economic relations with the eastern part. After proclaiming independence, Bangladesh took on the challenging trek/journey of government formation, eager to secure equitable growth of the economy, social progress, and democratic leadership. This research investigates the extent to which the Liberation War of Bangladesh continues to impact the national identity and civic awareness of the young generation. The study adopted a qualitative research design to explore the views of youth on independence, national integration, growth, and cultural identity. Primary data were collected through structured, in-depth interview. 54 youths were selected as the sample of this study following purposive sampling technique. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and thematic analysis techniques. The findings show that people view the War of Liberation as a very important part of their history and that it has been a source of great pride. Besides recognizing that some goals of the war have been met, they also acknowledge that a considerable number of problems still exist. The research reiterates the significance of democratic governance, economic advancement, and social justice in creating a state that could realize the noble objectives that were set through the Liberation War. This study uniquely illuminates how the Liberation War continues to shape the national identity, civic consciousness, patterns of engagement, and cultural awareness. The findings offer practical insights for policymakers and educators seeking to strengthen national cohesion and build a more engaged young generation capable of advancing Bangladesh’s vision of a prosperous, just, and united society.