Maroc - EURASIAREVIEW.COM - A la une - 14/Aug 11:37

Bangladesh’s Democracy At A Crossroads: The Urgent Need To Strengthen Institutions – OpEd

Democracy in Bangladesh is facing significant challenges, and the situation calls for a careful examination of how democratic institutions, rather than movements alone, can safeguard and deepen democracy. Bangladesh's history, shaped by the rise of cultural nationalism in response to communalism and India's crucial and decisive role, offers a unique context for understanding the current political dynamics. The Awami League, which represents the politics of secularism and cultural nationalism, has been at the forefront of sustaining Bangladesh's identity as a secular nation, despite persistent efforts by certain forces to push the country towards a religious identity. David Easton, a renowned American political scientist, defined politics as "the authoritative allocation of values in society." Sheikh Hasina's government attempted to implement a reservation policy for the descendants of the 1971 Freedom Fighters. However, this approach failed to align with Abraham Lincoln's definition of democracy as "government of the people, by the people, for the people." In essence, a democratic government is composed of representatives chosen freely by the people to serve the entire nation. Such a government is established with the consent of the governed and is dedicated to advancing the interests of all its citizens with fairness of justice. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, played a crucial role in creating a nation that embraced secular and cultural identity. His vision for "Amar Sonar Bangla" (My Golden Bengal) was rooted in the values of secularism and cultural nationalism, which became the cornerstone of Bangladesh's identity. However, the journey towards democracy in Bangladesh has been fraught with challenges. The assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975 marked the beginning of a turbulent period in Bangladesh's political history. The subsequent establishment of military rule under General Mohammad Ershad further complicated the country's democratic trajectory. Consequently, the transition from military rule to democracy in Bangladesh was a significant milestone, and it highlighted the importance of democratic institutions in ensuring a stable and vibrant democracy. Political parties played a crucial role in this transition, with the Awami League emerging as a prominent force in advocating for democratic governance. However, the political landscape in Bangladesh has been marked by intense rivalry between major political parties (Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Bangladesh Awami League), leading to a polarized environment that has often hindered democratic progress. Indeed, a democratic polity requires free, fair, and credible elections, which establish a government based on the people's consent. However, true democracy is determined by a government's actions and elections. A genuinely democratic government must uphold political and civil rights, respect human rights, ensure the rule of law and social justice, practice transparency and accountability, and facilitate meaningful citizen participation in state affairs. In comparison to Bangladesh, India's democracy has survived and thrived despite facing numerous challenges. The Emergency period of 1975-77, when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed authoritarian rule, was a critical juncture in India's democratic history. However, the resilience of India's democratic institutions, particularly the Election Commission along with the judiciary and media, played a pivotal role in ensuring free and fair elections, which ultimately led to the restoration of democratic governance. This experience underscores the importance of strong and independent democratic institutions in safeguarding democracy. Bangladesh has held 11 parliamentary elections, with four under a neutral caretaker government (1991, 1996, 2001, and 2008), which were largely credible, allowing citizens to exercise their franchise. However, these governments failed to uphold democratic ideals such as respecting rights, ensuring the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and social justice. This has led to stolen elections, restricted democratic space, alleged severe human rights violations, and widespread corruption. Disillusioned by democratic deficits and governance failures, some citizens, especially the youth, have turned to religion as a solution. Bangladesh now stands at a critical juncture; failure to change course could lead to extremism, threatening the future of the next generations. Eventually, Bangladesh has struggled to establish and maintain such institutions. The conduct of elections in Bangladesh has been a contentious issue, with allegations of electoral fraud and manipulation undermining public confidence in the democratic process. The last general election, which was boycotted by the main opposition parties, was seen as a contest between Sheikh Hasina vs Sheikh Hasina. The lack of participation by opposition parties in the electoral process further eroded the legitimacy of the election, raising concerns about the future of democracy in Bangladesh. International observers, including Western governments, have criticised the government of Sheikh Hasina for its handling of the election and its perceived undermining of democratic institutions. India's role in advising Sheikh Hasina to adhere to democratic principles has been a subject of debate, with some sections in Bangladesh questioning India's option to keep its distance in the country's internal affairs. While India has maintained that it respects Bangladesh's sovereignty, the criticism highlights the complexities of politics and the challenges Bangladesh faces in strengthening its democratic institutions. The resignation of the Chief Justice of Bangladesh, following pressure from the revolutionaries, is another troubling sign for the country's democracy. The judiciary, as an independent institution, plays a vital role in upholding democracy, the rule of law and protecting citizens' rights. The resignation of the Chief Justice has raised concerns about the independence of the judiciary in Bangladesh, further weakening the country's democratic framework. Despite these challenges, the military in Bangladesh has shown a reluctance to intervene in the direct struggle for political power, which is a positive sign for democracy. The absence of military interference in politics is crucial for developing a stable and democratic state. However, the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, faces the daunting task of restoring order and stability in the country while strengthening democratic institutions. Internationally, the experiences of countries in the Third World, particularly in South Asia, provide valuable lessons for Bangladesh. After World War II, many countries in the Third World gained independence, but dictatorial powers continued to prevail in several of them. Pakistan and Myanmar are examples of countries where democracy has struggled to take root. In contrast, India's democracy has survived and evolved, despite facing significant challenges, including conflicts between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. The key difference lies in the strength and resilience of democratic institutions. In India and other Western countries, institutions such as the Election Commission, the judiciary, and a free press have played a crucial role in ensuring the survival and vibrancy of democracy. These institutions have provided checks and balances, preventing the concentration of power in any one branch of government and ensuring that democratic principles are upheld. Finally, the path to deepening democracy in Bangladesh lies in the strengthening of its democratic institutions. This includes ensuring the independence and effectiveness of the election commission, conducting free and fair elections, and fostering a political environment that encourages dialogue and cooperation between political parties for rebuilding a stable political system. The role of civil society, the media, and other non-governmental organizations is also critical in holding the government accountable and promoting democratic values while movements and popular uprisings can play a role in initiating democratic change, it is the strength and resilience of democratic institutions that ultimately determine the survival and success of democracy. The experiences of liberal democracies offer valuable lessons for Bangladesh to navigate a resilient path towards a stable and vibrant democracy.