Commitment of People to Democracy

The mass people of Bangladesh are sincerely committed to nourishing democracy in the country. They are aware of the nature, meanings and fruits of democracy. The presence of voters in polling centers, their enthusiasm about election and politics and their verdict against misdeed of govt. both in 1996, 2001 and 2008 proved that people are committed to democracy and it is increasing day by day.

Institutionalization of Electoral Process-Democracy

Bangladesh has institutionalized the electoral process as the tangible mode of peaceful transfer of power by evolving the system of Non-Party Caretaker

Homogeneous Nature of the People-Democracy

The people of our country are almost homogeneous in their origin, socio-economic and political belief. The concept of Bangladeshi nationalism has taken shape as a unifying force with its emphasis on national unity and integration of all citizens and social groups irrespective of cast,

Prospects of Democracy in Bangladesh

Parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh looks emaciated and anaemic which has been in existence always gasping far a bit of fresh air. The core question is surfacing before the pessimistic supporters of parliamentary democracy that ‘will parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh get fresh air in the offing for which it has been fumbling for a long time? In response to this query,

Problems of Democracy- Rampant Corruption

Corruption represents a seamy side of politics and administration of a society. Corruption keeps countries a soft state unable to confront developmental problems pragmatically. In Bangladesh corruption has become so rampant that no sphere of public life is freed from the virus of it and this prevalence of rampant corruption made the country as the most corrupt country of the world for five consecutive years. Today, corruption has turned Bangladesh into a laughing stock,

Problems of Democracy- Lack of Mutual Trust and Tolerance

Mutual trust and tolerance between government and oppositions are two binding principles essential for the proper functioning of democracy in a country. Government has to learn to live with oppositions and criticism and by confronting hostile situation in an understanding manner. Unfortunately, the concept of tolerance seems to be disappearing particularly for those in power. The leaders and party members become intolerant of the opposition and easily irritated by the criticism. Gradually they become paranoid and imagine that the opposition parties and other professional groups have become their adversary.

Problems of Democracy- Problem of Consensus Building

Consensus-building among the political parties on national critical issues is crucial for successful working of democracy. Parliamentary democracy is a very delicate system and it functions well in a society which has developed a kind of consensus in respect of use of power, acquisition of power, peaceful transfer of power and so on and also in respect of the key national issues. But “a great many of the developing countries, particularly those of Asia and Africa, but also some South American countries…..are beset by political problems arising from the deep division between segments of their populations and absence of unifying consensus.”[1]Likewise the political system in Bangladesh is seriously facing the crisis of consensus building.

Problems of Democracy- Fragile Local Government System

Autonomous local government is one of the most vital institutions of democratic governance. Modern democracy is almost unthinkable without devolution of power to the local governments. Due to increase of population as well as to huge expansion of governmental activities certain matter of policy and administration concerning national and international interests as are reserved for central administration and the rest wide range of governmental functions are vested in local authorities .

Problems of Democracy- Absence of Rule of Law

Upholding the rule of law is not simply necessary for successful working of democracy and protection of individual rights, but it is also essential for vitalizing economic activities and promoting investment.[1] In democracy, rule of law that means equality before law is a guiding principle. No person can be said to be guilty unless convicted by a court under due process of existing laws. Rule of law is one of the unique characteristics of the Constitution of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh.

Problems of Democracy- Rubberstamp Parliament

An effective and participatory parliament is a sine quo non of democratic governance. But ironically, “Bangladesh’s parliament has become almost irrelevant as a forum for political discourse and decision making”[1] “All the major characteristics of strong legislature are virtually absent in Bangladesh”.[2] All the political institutions including the speaker of the parliament have been politicized and used against the major opposition parties in the country. Main opposition parties have never been consulted by the incumbent government prior to appointing official to major constitutional posts. Since after independence, almost all the parliament acts as a rubber stamp which passed every bill placed by the government without thoroughly examining this bill from the viewpoint of public interests.