JBS Vol 15. Num 2. 2013 - The Nature and Quality of Democracy in Bangladesh: An Assessment

This paper argues that since the democratization process began in 1991 Bangladeshi politics has shown symptoms of hybrid regimes. With serious shortcomings in governance in Bangladesh – from non-functioning of the parliament, absence of rule of law, politicization of the judiciary, extra judicial killings, etc. – the country’s transition from authoritarian to democratic norms in fact remains quite incomplete. The article uses empirical measurements instead of anecdotal evidence or subjective analysis to examine the “hybrid regime” phenomenon. Six defining characteristics form the basis of analysis: competitive elections, corruption, democratic quality, press freedom, civil liberties, and rule of law. To facilitate the processes of democratization, lest the country reverts to a de-facto one-party authoritarian state, the need for a strong and effective political opposition and a renewed interplay between ordinary citizens and the opposition is emphasized, in addition to developing a civic culture of engagement.