“People” and “Subjects”—while these two words may sound similar, their meanings and implications are worlds apart. In a democratic state, we identify ourselves as “citizens” or “part of the people.” But in reality, we often live with a “subject mentality.” Where lies the difference? Simply put, a “subject” is someone who obeys the ruler’s orders, asks no questions, thinks little about rights, and merely waits to survive. A “citizen,” on the other hand, is a conscious individual who knows their rights, has learned to demand them, seeks accountability, and believes they have a role to play in governing the state. Today’s core discussion: How does a lack of awareness transform a citizen back into a subject, and why is awareness about self-respect and rights the path to our liberation?
The Subject Mentality: A Historical Context
The word “subject” carries deep historical weight in Bangladesh’s story. During British colonial rule, ordinary people were “subjects”—their role was to pay taxes, obey orders, and accept things silently. Even after independence, during periods of military rule, authoritarianism, or weak democratic practice, that “subject mentality” has been revived. When people think, “How could I possibly understand?”, “The powerful will decide what’s best,” or “Who will listen to me?”—that is precisely when they become subjects.
The defining features of the subject mentality are passivity, fear, and self-devaluation. This mindset keeps people distant from political processes, teaches them to view voting merely as “repaying a favor” or “a pressured obligation,” and silences them in the face of corruption, irregularities, or injustice. As a result, those in power can easily maintain control—because a questionless populace is the safest for them.
Lack of Awareness: The Path from Citizen to Subject
Citizenship is not a birthright gift; it is an achievement. Even when constitutional rights are written on paper, they remain ineffective if citizens are unaware of them. How does a lack of awareness turn a person into a subject?
First, lack of information. When citizens do not understand what the budget is, how local government functions, or the value of their vote, they become indecisive and disengaged. Second, educational gaps. Literacy alone is not enough; the absence of civic education—about rights, responsibilities, and democratic values—renders people dependent. Third, a culture of fear. “Speaking up brings trouble,” “Protesting could cost me my job”—this mentality teaches people to accept injustice silently. Fourth, social and economic inequality. Poverty, discrimination, and patronage-based dependency trap people in the role of “subjects.”
Together, these four elements create a passive, fearful, and obedient populace—a toxic condition for any democracy.
Self-Respect and Rights: The Two Pillars of Awareness
A subject asks, “Am I worthy of receiving?” A citizen knows, “What I deserve, I will demand.” This distinction rests on two foundations: self-respect and a clear understanding of one’s rights.
Self-respect is the ability to see oneself as dignified and valuable. When a person realizes that their opinion matters, their life has worth, and their presence is meaningful to the state—that is when they begin to shed the subject mentality. Self-respect teaches people to vote not based on “identity” alone, but on “merit”; not to worship someone as a “god” or “leader,” but to hold them accountable as an “elected representative.”
Meanwhile, knowledge of rights is the citizen’s tool for empowerment. Articles 27 to 44 of Bangladesh’s Constitution list fundamental citizen rights: equality before law, freedom of expression, right to education, and access to fair justice. But these rights remain confined to paper if citizens are unaware of them or afraid to exercise them. The Right to Information Act, electoral transparency, and participation at the local level—all these are fruits of rights awareness.
Application in Real Life: How to Break the Subject Mentality?
Awareness must be practical, not just theoretical. Here are several actionable steps:
- Treat voting as a responsibility: Voting is not merely a “duty”; it is an exercise of your power. Research candidates’ qualifications, track records, and promises before casting your ballot.
- Learn to ask questions: Questioning your local chairman, MP, or government officer is not a crime. “Where did the funds for this project go?” “What steps have been taken to address issues in our area?”—these questions are marks of active citizenship.
- Use your Right to Information: If you seek government data, file a formal request under the law. Demanding transparency is your right.
- Engage in social media and community forums: Discussion, debate, and collective action build citizen power.
- Educate yourself and teach others: Civic education should not be confined to schools and colleges; spread it within families and neighborhoods.
Conclusion: Becoming a Citizen Is a Struggle
Being a “subject” is easy—stay silent, bow your head, and accept fate. But being a “citizen” is hard—it requires courage, knowledge, and perseverance. To build a truly democratic society, each of us must ask ourselves: “Do I merely wish to be governed, or do I want to be part of the governing process?”
Awareness about self-respect and rights is not just personal liberation; it is the path to national emancipation. When every citizen understands that their voice matters, their vote has value, and their rights are inviolable—that is when the chains of “subjecthood” will break, and we, as “the people,” will achieve true freedom. So let us become aware, let us ask questions, and let us demand our due—because democracy is not built only on election day, but through daily practice. Citizenship is not a title; it is a struggle—and winning that struggle is our true independence.
