The independence of Bangladesh, while into its fifth decade now, is still viewed by many outsiders as an accident of history. All historical outcomes are in part an accident, but any event of the magnitude of Bangladesh's liberation can only happen as a consequence of deep and long-term agency. What underlies that agency in this case most decisively is a unique cultural identity.
Like the soft deposits flowing down from the Himalayas that created the land mass known as Bangladesh today, its culture too has resulted from centuries of diverse overlay. Generations here have always gravitated towards the mystical branch of the reigning faith, be it Buddhism, Hinduism or Islam. The net effect is a culture that has always valued tolerance and detachment over harsh rituals or acquisitive fierceness.