JBS Vol 09. Num 2. 2007 - Democracy in Bangladesh: From Crisis to Sustainability

The main purpose of this paper is to examine the problems of democratization in Bangladesh in light of the crises of governance in that country in the 21st century. The theoretical framework is a somewhat novel theory of deep democracy from a political and social economy perspective. However, the major emphasis is on understanding the problems of democratization in Bangladesh concretely in light of the theory. The theory of deep democracy makes a distinction between formal aspects of democracy and the deeper structural aspects. In order for democracy to be deep, democratic practices have to become institutionalized in such a way that they become part of normal life in a democratic society. Cluster conditions for deep democracy include both cultural-political and socio-economic conditions. Clearly, even formal democracy has at best been fragile in Bangladesh and political crises have endangered even this modest prospect in the 21st century. However, social and political resources do exist within Bangladesh to make a viable attempt at restoring formal democracy and to take further steps to strengthen and deepen democracy there. Without underestimating the difficulties, the paper outlines a strategic agenda for the future.