Can Democracy be Brought into Practice?
1971: Bangladesh triumphed in its hard-earned struggle for independence, beginning a remarkable journey. Throughout its rich history, Bangladesh has achieved significant progress in human development, poverty reduction, and industrial growth, positioning itself as one of the world’s rapidly advancing economies.
While the political landscape has seen challenges such as power struggles and corruption, Bangladesh’s ongoing pursuit of democracy presents opportunities for positive transformation.
As Bangladesh progresses, it’s essential to focus on implementing policy reforms and enforcing laws to ensure long-term stability and growth, as well as the nation’s success in upholding democratic principles.
The State of Democracy in Bangladesh
Authoritarianism, military dominance, and political dynasties have significantly undermined Bangladesh’s democratic structure, creating a highly disputed environment.
Since gaining independence, the country has gone through various cycles of democratic governance and periods of dictatorial government. Since 2009, Bangladesh’s government has been led by the Awami League and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The administration has received praise for its significant contributions to infrastructure development and economic growth, but it has also drawn criticism for its effects on democratic institutions, suppression of dissent, and disrespect for the rule of law. There are divergent opinions about the actions of the Hasina government and their impact on democracy.
Allegations of electoral manipulation, suppression of political opposition, and limitations on media independence have raised concerns about the sustainability of democracy in Bangladesh. Allegations of voter intimidation and manipulation clouded the 2018 general elections, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the government.
Can Bangladesh Reform its Democratic Institutions?
The potential for reforming Bangladesh’s democratic institutions hinges on two critical factors: the political will of the ruling class and the resilience of civil society. Several important areas require immediate attention to successfully implement democracy.
1 Electoral Reforms: Unrestricted and impartial elections serve as the fundamental basis of democracy. Bangladesh must comprehensively overhaul its voting system to ensure the utmost openness, equity, and inclusivity. This entails implementing measures to prevent electoral fraud and violence, restructuring the Election Commission, and ensuring the autonomy of electoral officials.
2 Strengthening the Judiciary: Many Bangladeshis believe that the executive branch significantly impacts the judicial system. However, for democracy to thrive, it is crucial that the judicial system remain impartial and independent. Reforms that safeguard the integrity of the judicial system and maintain its ability to act as a check on the administration’s power are important.
3 Promoting Press Freedom: An effective democracy requires a free and active press. This effort is crucial to addressing the prevailing atmosphere of media suppression. Eliminating oppressive laws, such as the Digital Security Act, that hinder people’s freedom of expression is also crucial. This will help create a culture that values open communication and accountability.
4 Civil Society Engagement: Civil society organisations are vital in advocating for democracy and human rights. The government should create a supportive environment for civil society’s unrestricted and transparent operation, ensuring that individuals feel safe from reprisals. This entails safeguarding individuals who advocate for and protect human rights, as well as ensuring that members of civil society can actively participate in democratic processes.
5 The Challenge of Policy Reforms The policies implemented by the Hasina administration have significantly impacted Bangladesh’s socioeconomic landscape. Some policies have garnered praise for their positive contribution to economic growth, while others have faced criticism for their potential impact on inequality, exclusion of other perspectives, and undermining of governance systems.
Economic Reforms
Bangladesh’s economy has demonstrated impressive resilience, with consistently strong GDP growth rates and significant advancements in its textile industry. However, to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth, it is crucial to address critical issues such as income inequality, unemployment, and the informal economy through the implementation of practical solutions. Additionally, promoting transparent economic governance is essential to combat corruption and ensure the equitable distribution of the benefits of growth across all segments of society. This encompasses the execution of extensive infrastructure projects, which will be vital for the country’s long-term financial stability.
Law, Order, and Public Safety
There has been a noticeable increase in extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, and police brutality in Bangladesh, which has raised concerns about the state of law and order in the country. It is essential to prioritise the restoration of public faith in law enforcement agencies, the reform of the police force, and the establishment of accountability for human rights crimes. By implementing a comprehensive strategy that combines community policing, judicial oversight, and adherence to international human rights norms, we can guarantee the safety of the general population.
Judicial Reforms
The judiciary in Bangladesh encounters various obstacles, such as a large number of pending cases, allegations of corruption, and interference from political entities. The main objective of judicial reforms should be to enhance the legal system’s effectiveness, guarantee equal access to justice for all citizens, and protect the independence of the judicial administration. Various steps, such as adopting a merit-based judge selection process, strengthening judicial training programs, and ensuring accountability for judicial staff actions, can improve the public’s trust in the court system.
The Road Ahead
Bangladesh stands at a pivotal point in its history, with far-reaching implications for its future political development. We present the nation with the opportunity to either embark on a trajectory towards genuine democracy or confront the risk of potential authoritarian tendencies. Although there are significant challenges ahead, there are also significant opportunities for positive change. With the implementation of requisite reforms and the upholding of democratic principles, Bangladesh possesses the potential to emerge as a prosperous and stable nation.
The international community must provide assistance as part of Bangladesh’s democratic trajectory. By encouraging open communication, supporting electoral and judicial reforms, and holding the government accountable for its international human rights commitments, the community can help Bangladesh navigate its intricate political terrain.
The actions of Bangladesh’s leaders, the strength of its institutions, and the determination of its people will determine the future of its democracy. If Bangladesh can effectively address these challenges, it will have the opportunity to realise the democratic goals central to its founding principles.