An opinion essay by A.T.M. Jannatul Mosnaj, published on February 14, 2026, examines why many citizens of politically independent nations, including Bangladesh, remain mentally dependent on larger or foreign powers. The author argues that even after 54 years of independence, Bangladesh continues to face a form of psychological subjugation known as colonial mentality, where people unconsciously view foreign cultures and standards as superior while undervaluing their own.

The article traces this mindset to historical colonial influence, education systems, and global media dominance that reinforce cultural inferiority. Drawing on thinkers such as Frantz Fanon, Walter Mignolo, and Edward Said, the essay highlights how postcolonial societies internalize foreign values through language, fashion, and media, leading to cultural hegemony and identity crises. It also notes that economic dependency and admiration for foreign lifestyles deepen this mental subordination.

The author concludes that true national progress requires both political and mental liberation. He calls for educational reform, cultural confidence, and responsible media practices to strengthen self-perception and ensure that Bangladesh’s development remains rooted in its own identity and knowledge traditions.