JBS Vol 02. Num 1. 2000 - SOVEREIGNTY, NATIONAL INTERESTS AND THE CHALLENGES OF DEMOCRATIZATION IN BANGLADESH

This article examines the clash of values surrounding the process of democratization in Bangladesh and the changing
concept of sovereignty in the context of an ongoing crisis of political polarization in the country. In this connection the
role of leadership in consensus building for resolving the crisis of national identity and creating an environment
conducive to striking a balance between national sovereignty and public interests for integrated development will be
critically evaluated. To what extent the process of growing political polarization between the two largest political parties
of Bangladesh on the means for attaining national goals can be reversed through appropriate structural and procedural
reforms is probed. The question of whether mass education coupled with a constitutionally mandated program of
continuing education for policy makers and implementers can be utilized to bring to the surface hidden problems of
social and economic injustice, and to raise public consciousness on how to alleviate mass poverty, has been addressed.