How we can practice democracy- A way out

Democracy is a continuous political process which can not be established overnight. Todays Western democracies could not be developed in a day, month or year. It took long period of centuries after centuries. Same is in case of Bangladesh. Democracy can be sustained and developed in Bangladesh only by giving due attention to certain both institutional and structural issues such as:

Role of civil society- Democracy

Now a day’s civil society plays very important role in successful working of democracy in Bangladesh. There are many civil society organizations like Center For Policy Dialogue(CPD), Sushasoner Jonno Nagarik (SUJAN) active in the country which are making efforts to make the mass people conscious about their rights and duties enshrined in the constitution and also mobilize public opinion by organizing seminars, workshops and symposium on the contemporary issues and problems facing the country.

Women Empowerment- Democracy

The constitution of Bangladesh contains the provision of gender equality, prohibition of gender-based discrimination and extension of opportunity of women in all spheres of civic life. It is also stated in the constitution that the local government institutions be composed of representatives of peasants, workers and women (Article 9, 10); right to guaranteed employment at a reasonable wage having regard to the quality of life [article 15 (b)]. Our political parties are fond of making room for women in their party politics.

Promotion of Economic Growth- Democracy

Now-a-days, Bangladesh is doing well in the economic sector marked in the reasonable macro economic stability. Bangladesh has been experiencing around 6 percent economic growth despite global recession for many years. It has also achieved near self sufficiency in food production.

Advancement of Education System- Democracy

It is gratifying to that Bangladesh has much headway in expanding coverage access to basic education with a view to building a knowledge-based society. For the first time in its history more that 98 percent of the children have started going to school. Gender parity in primary enrollment is almost a reality now.

Report on Independence of press, media and newspaper-Democracy

Today, press, media and newspapers become freer that ever before. They are enjoying the independence except government-owned Radio and TV. The press and media are now vocal against any wrongdoings committed by the government. They don’t hesitate to criticize the government if it tend to undertake any policies and programme which is anti interest of the mass people. So we can say it is another light of hopes for democracy.

Independence of Judiciary-Democracy

It is heartening that judiciary has become independent and free of the clutch of the executive and legislature in Bangladesh through implementing the historic Masder Hussain Case in November, 2007. Now, judiciary has been working more freely and fairly than earlier and thereby helps to establish rule of law in the country.

Peaceful Transition of Power- Democracy

Governing power is usually peacefully transferred to an elected government through periodical election in Bangladesh. After completion of five years term, the government transfer power in the hand of a non-party caretaker government and after a free and fair election, the CG  transfer the power to an elected government. Such process of peaceful transition of power to an elected government is positive gesture of democratic development in the country.

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 Participatory Political Culture

The proper functioning of democracy invariably warrants the prevalence of participatory political culture in the country. The legitimacy of any government is unavoidably linked with the sustenance of participatory political process and the voluntary consent of the governed. Participatory political culture implies such norms and values allowing; a) participation of mass people in the state’s affaires and also b) involvement of government, opposition and other stake holders in the national and local decision making process. But such political culture is hardly discerned in Bangladesh. In the country mass participation in the state’s affairs is basically confined in casting votes in both local, sub-local and national level election. Even the verdict of the mass people is not properly reflected in the elect

Social and economic Security for Democracy

Economic security is essential for the successful working of democracy. The people should be given the right to work and it is the duty of the government to provide them with suitable employment. In case, the government is unable to provide it to the people, it should at least provide them with shelter, clothing and food. Besides, social security is also essential.

Sound System of Education for Democracy

Where there is illiteracy, it becomes difficult to make democracy successful. Because many qualities such as sacrifice, sympathy, selfless service of the country, discipline, fraternity, etc. are needed to make democracy a success. The people should also have the sense of understanding political, economic and social problems facing the country. The citizens can acquire these qualities only through literacy.

Building of national consensus for Democracy

Consensus-building among the political parties on national critical issues is crucial for proper functioning of democracy. Both government and opposition should come into consensus in the issues related to national interest in order to avoid the confrontation,