Of the Nation Born – The Bangladesh Papers

This book examines sexual violence and impunity in Bangladesh, featuring contributions from various scholars. It provides insights into historical and contemporary issues, including law, nationalism, and gender dynamics in society.

Of the Nation Born – The Bangladesh Papers is part of the Sexual Violence and Impunity in South Asia series, supported by the International Development Research Centre in Canada. This book focuses on Bangladesh, bringing together some of the most insightful writing and research on the topics of sexual violence and the culture of impunity that surrounds it. It features contributions from both emerging and established scholars, exploring a variety of themes, including legal histories, nationalism, memory and sexuality, the status of minorities, and the influence of religion. The book also examines universities as contested spaces for gender issues.

The introduction by renowned scholar Meghna Guhathakurta provides a thorough overview of the historical and contemporary context of sexual violence in Bangladesh, tracing its roots from the 1971 liberation war to the present day. Guhathakurta's analysis offers readers a valuable framework for understanding how impunity for offenders has become a pervasive issue not only in Bangladesh but throughout South Asia. Her insights highlight the complexities of societal attitudes towards sexual violence and the systemic barriers that allow it to persist.

Overall, Of the Nation Born – The Bangladesh Papers stands out as a significant cross-disciplinary study, being the first of its kind to comprehensively address these critical issues. It serves as an essential resource for scholars, activists, and anyone interested in the intersections of gender, law, and society in South Asia, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges faced in the fight against sexual violence and the quest for justice.