বাংলা 
English 
In the political history of Bangladesh, Kushtia holds a special place. This region is known not only for its cultural and literary heritage but also as a field of political consciousness, movements and popular participation. From the ancient system of kingdoms through British colonial rule, the popular upsurges of the Pakistan era and the politics of independent Bangladesh, Kushtia's role has always been active and influential.
To the people of Kushtia, politics has never meant merely party activity - they have seen politics as a means of establishing free thought, social justice and the rights of the people.
In this essay we shall trace the evolution of Kushtia's political culture - the story of a long journey from ancient kingdoms to modern democracy.
Purpose and Significance
The principal purpose of this essay is to analyse the historical continuity of Kushtia's political culture and, through it, to inform the present generation about the political consciousness of the past.
Knowing the history of politics lets one understand the course of social change. So knowing Kushtia's ancient politics up to the contemporary political context is not merely history - it also plays a part in the development of the political consciousness of future generations.
Ancient and Medieval Periods
The history of Kushtia district is extremely ancient. At one time it belonged to the rule of Gaur and Pundravardhana and later of the Sen kings. Politics then was monarchical and religion-bound; the people lived under the king or the local zamindar.
In the Pala and Sen eras, the influence of Buddhist and Hindu religious institutions was reflected deeply in society and politics. Though the common people did not take direct part in politics, their lives lay under religious and social systems.
The Mughal and Nawab Eras
From the sixteenth to the eighteenth century, Kushtia was part of Nadia district under Mughal rule. Politics in this period centred chiefly on administration and revenue collection. In the Kaya, Mirpur and Khoksa areas a zamindar class arose, which played an important part in local politics.
From this very time the political culture of loyalty and conflict between the local leadership and the subjects began to develop.
The British Era
When British rule began after the Battle of Plassey of 1757, a new current arose in Kushtia's politics.
The people of Kushtia took active part in the anti-Partition of Bengal movement (1905), the Swaraj movement and the struggle for independence.
In this period an educated middle class arose, which heightened political awareness and gave leadership to nationalist politics.
Many of Kushtia's revolutionaries and patriots built political organizations at the local level, which laid the foundation of future political movements.
The Pakistan Era (1947-1971)
In this period Kushtia's politics was full of movements and struggle. Though the Muslim public entered politics under the influence of the Muslim League, during the Language Movement of 1952 Kushtia's students and young people became part of the central movement.
Later the Awami League, Chhatra League, NAP, the Communist Party and left-wing parties became active in Kushtia.
In the popular upsurge of 1969 and the Liberation War of 1971, Kushtia district set a unique example in history - it was here that the first rebel administration was formed, which was the first administrative structure of independent Bangladesh.
Independent Bangladesh (1971-present)
After independence Kushtia became bound up with the mainstream of national politics.
The Awami League, the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami operate here as the principal political forces.
In different parts of the district, people's participation has grown greatly in local government elections, union councils, pourashava (municipality) and parliamentary elections.
Besides, student politics, workers' movements and cultural organizations have also exerted influence as parts of the political culture.
Contemporary Politics
At the present time Kushtia's politics has come to rest on development, democracy, civil rights and social change.
The young are expressing political opinions on social media and taking part in local development and anti-corruption activities.
Today's Kushtia is politically aware, believing in democratic values and closely tied to national politics.
Kushtia's political culture has changed continually with the times. From monarchy to democracy, from the zamindari system to the rule of the people - on this long journey the people of Kushtia have shown again and again their political consciousness, organizational skill and power of free thought.
Even today Kushtia holds its place as a shining chapter in the political history of Bangladesh.
