In the realm of Bangladeshi politics, there exists a complex interplay between popular belief and critical knowledge, traditional legitimacy and evidence-based reasoning, as well as emotional immediacy and long-term vision. These dualities, known as doxa and episteme, do not neatly align in a hierarchical structure but rather create a perpetual dialectic. The allure of doxa, with its emphasis on inherited beliefs and emotional resonance, often coexists alongside the demands of episteme, which prioritize evidence, thoughtful deliberation, and future-oriented planning. However, the ongoing struggle to prioritize one over the other consistently fails due to the absence of conditions conducive to a stable synthesis.
The prevalence of doxa in Bangladeshi politics is closely linked to the systemic shortcomings of episteme. Attempting to elevate episteme as the rational antidote to belief without addressing the societal context that shapes and reinforces doxa is ineffective. Recent events, such as the July 2024 uprising, the fragile nature of the interim government, and the chronic underinvestment in public goods, highlight the intricate relationship between doxa and episteme. Rather than critiquing doxa itself, it is essential to reflect on how the fusion of belief and critical knowledge generates a volatile political landscape that oscillates between crisis and recovery. This perspective refrains from pathologizing doxa or idealizing episteme, emphasizing the need for a delicate balance where critical knowledge engages with belief constructively.
The concept of doxa and episteme, originally derived from Plato and expounded upon by Pierre Bourdieu, serves as a lens to understand the erosion of informed public discourse. In Bangladeshi society, doxa often thrives in the absence of robust knowledge institutions, filling the void left by institutional weaknesses. This phenomenon is exacerbated by historical legacies, authoritarian disruptions, and disparities in knowledge dissemination, where belief systems become ingrained in the societal fabric when governance structures falter.
The dynamic between doxa and episteme is particularly pronounced in Bangladesh’s media landscape, which oscillates between critical analysis and ideological conformity. Following the July 2024 uprising, a temporary shift towards greater epistemic inquiry occurred, focusing on issues like electoral fraud and governance failures. However, this critical space was short-lived as media narratives reverted to promoting stability and national interests, underscoring the resilience of doxa in shaping public discourse.
Political parties in Bangladesh serve as arenas where doxa and episteme intersect and reinforce each other. Rather than being solely repositories of belief, political entities leverage both belief systems and knowledge frameworks to maintain their influence. This symbiotic relationship is perpetuated by a culture that prioritizes historical legitimacy over policy expertise, creating a scenario where knowledge is selectively wielded to validate existing beliefs rather than fostering critical engagement.
The interim government, established amidst a crisis of knowledge and popular mobilization, initially held promise for embracing technocratic governance and evidence-based policymaking. However, the government’s subsequent reliance on continuity, symbolic gestures, and budgetary neglect of critical sectors like education and healthcare underscored the challenges of transitioning from doxa to episteme. The delicate balance between governing rationally and catering to public sentiment underscores the government’s struggle to navigate between past failures and future aspirations.
The specter of the Arab Spring looms over Bangladesh’s governance landscape, instilling a sense of caution among elites and impatience among citizens regarding knowledge-driven reforms. The fear of potential chaos or authoritarian regression following epistemic uprisings underscores the fragility of episteme in anchoring itself within the collective consciousness. While doxa offers immediate emotional gratification, episteme’s complexity and long-term benefits face challenges in resonating with a populace devoid of institutional trust and historical memory.
A forward-looking approach necessitates embracing the inherent tension between doxa and episteme rather than seeking a forced synthesis. This entails fostering civic education based on dialogue, transforming media into inclusive platforms for discourse, and aligning budgetary priorities with the structural requirements of vulnerable populations. Cultivating a political ethic that transcends technocratic detachment and populist fervor is crucial for nurturing a democratic ethos that values knowledge without disregarding belief systems.
In a time marked by disillusionment and manipulative narratives, the delicate balance between doxa and episteme remains a critical challenge for Bangladesh’s democratic future. Dr. Faridul Alam, a retired academic based in New York City, offers these insights on the intricate interplay between belief and knowledge in shaping the country’s political landscape.