Democracy: as a form of

government in Bangladesh

ROMANA YASMEEN

ID: 161 0843 025

ENG 105

Section: 44

Date: April 20, 2017

 ACKNWLEDGEMENTS

The completion of the research paper could not have been possible without participation

of the random people whom I surveyed for my primary data collection. They worth in fact more

than „Thank you‟. Next, to whom I am really grateful is my husband for his continuous support

from selecting research topic to the completion of it. Besides the humans, I would like thank the

„Google search engine‟ from the bottom of my heart because without it I might not be able to

complete my paper within the deadline of submission.

Above all, thanks to the great Allah Subha‟nu Wata‟la for bestowing me with all the

patience, knowledge and healthiness.

 ABSTRACTS

Everything that seems good to you can certainly be less good for others. Likewise, democracy is

undeniably being a good form of government for people. But for the country like Bangladesh

where scarcity and illiteracy are two major conundrums, democracy is less appropriate.

Moreover, the people of Bangladesh who are the ultimate ruler do not have clear vision over

their rights and many of them yet not eligible to choose their political leaders. Added to that,

political uncertainty, violation of human rights, increasing rate of corruption and terrorism, inert

civil society are another setbacks which dragging the country behind. Therefore under these

circumstances, practicing democracy results nothing but a blunder. We the civil society, have to

step forward to transform the country in such a way through which Bangladesh will be

appropriate to hold democracy. Since the people of Bangladesh, highly support and wish to live

in a democratic country.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………… 1-5

2. RESEARCH QUESTIONS……………......................................................................... 6

3. HYPOTHESIS…………………………......................................................................... 7

4. METHODOLOGY……………………………………………………………………..7-8

5. DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS……………………………………….. 8-16

6. SUMMARY OF RESEARCH FINDINGS………………………………………… 17-19

7. RECOMMENDATIONS……………………………………………………………. 19-20

8. CONCLUSIONS………………………………………………………………………... 21

9. REFERENCES……………………………………………………………………….. 22-24
 INTRODUCTION

Democracy is a form of regime where the populaces elect their political leader by voting them

having the equal privileges. In simple words, democracy is a government of people which

ensures parity, fundamental human rights, liberty, fraternity and welfare of the people.

Innumerable philosophers and scholars have diverse point of scrutiny and hence

condemnation regarding democracy for several decades. Democracy is a continuous political

process, which can only be sustained and developed by giving due attention to certain issues

(Hossain, 2015, p. 1). Azad and Crothers (2012) said that, “democracy leaves minority somewhat

open to victimization by majority” (p. 203). Again, in Hill‟s (2013) words, “it is regarded as a

form of government in which the people rule themselves either directly or indirectly through

their representatives‟ (p. 3). Varieties in the definition of democracy in the utterances of many

scholars conclude that democracy is highly disputed form of government. Therefore Democracy

might have been the government of people but there is always a question that the concepts of

democracy are justly practical for present world or not.

To go deep into democracy, initially it is imperative to define the varieties in democracy.

Till this dates, there are hypothetically pure or direct democracy and representative or indirect

democracy. The direct democracy gives assurance of direct participation of people to articulate

their words; furthermore, the laws and orders are devised in a mass conference without any

agents or spokespersons which signifies the ultimate sovereignty of people. Contradictorily,

people choose a number of representatives to speak their on behalf of them. Burkean vision said

that, “representatives are guardians, promoting neither their own narrow interests nor those of

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their constituents, but rather the broader interests of society as a whole” (as cited in Macey,

1993, p. 50).

The basic concepts of democracy are next in order to get understandable revelation of

democracy where a number of immense words such as sovereignty and dignity, equality,

reliance, concession, state welfare describe the crucial perception of democracy.

1. Sovereignty and dignity:

Democracy makes certain the liberty of people to lead lives in their manner abide by the

laws with self-esteem. Individuals can be forced to do something which for welfare of the whole

nation such as paying taxes and respect for each means serving needs of all the people in an

utmost manner.

2. Equality:

Equality in democracy connotes that there is no discrepancy among the citizens on basis

of gender, race, color, social order, religious conviction and position of status and everyone is

equal before law and prospects.

3. Reliance:

Democracy does not say minority is wrong rather it says minority is less right than the

majority. Thus and so, democracy builds a background for faith in majority over minority which

is crucial to ensure peaceful realm.

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4. Concession:

Concession, another key dimension of diplomatic democracy, connotes that minority

have to have conciliation psyche where the conflicting issues arise for the welfare of the polity.

5. State welfare:

For the state welfare democracy pays particular concentration to the welfare of the entire

state not to a particular assembly of people.

Now to move to the clauses of thriving democracy there are several ways out provided by

more than a few philosophers and politicians with the changing time. According to Sorensen

(1993), the countries where a vast number of adult peoples are not competent enough to choose

their political leaders and live under below poverty line, a vigorous democracy is more difficult

to achieve than in countries with better socioeconomic conditions (p. 19). In the country like

Bangladesh, this observation of Sorensen is very relevant and added to that there are a lot more

considerable issues which is making democracy unsuited form of government of Bangladesh.

Next to the sound literacy and poverty issue sound political parties, political awakening of civil

society, zero interference of politicians in judiciary and implementing of laws are the enormous

prerequisites for sound democratization process. In Hossain‟s (2015) words, “Anarchy prevails

where government fails to maintain law and order and the people‟s faith in government is

shaken. They look towards dictatorship in order to get rid of anarchy.” (p. 5). Lastly ensuring

free, fair and frequent elections and conferring utmost significance to people‟s welfare are to be

taken into account.

Over the globe, the approximate numbers of democratic countries are much higher than

the countries which are ruled over other sorts of regime. Nevertheless, one need not be incredibly

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scholar to understand that democracy is performing very feebly in these recent years. Starting

with the most developed and unbeaten democratic countries such as United States and European

Union are undergoing substantial economic catastrophe in the current years. Added to that,

comparatively newer democratic countries like Brazil or Turkey are executing in frustrating

manner. Looking at the records of Ukraine, Tunisia, Egypt and Hong Kong which countries

stepped forward to democracy from authoritarian regimes, among those, few of the polities are

successful to establish well functioning democracy. As my conclusion, Most of the democratic

countries are pretending like democratic countries but under the facade of democracy these

polities are beneficial to those politicians to whom it seems their private property. Therefore,

democracy is in decline due to diminishing the basic concepts of democracy. Fukuyama (2015)

stated that, “Neopatrimonialism can coexist with democracy, producing widespread patronage

and clientelism in which politicians share state resources with networks of political supporters. In

such societies, individuals go into politics not to pursue a vision of public good, but rather to

enrich themselves” (P. 13).

In Bangladesh, neopatrimonialism is not a rare case. After the independence, there are

thousands of examples where the polity becomes politician‟s private property. The growth in

corruption and terrorism, violation of human rights and security of their lives, electoral

conspiracy, duo-party system in the name of multi-party system, altercation of political parties,

abuse of authority, aggravation in the name of upholding laws, nuisance in the name of state

welfare, unethical practice of the anti-corruption commission, disgruntled behavior of

government towards the citizens are the most disheartening practice throughout the history of

independent Bangladesh.

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 After the beginning of self-governing Bangladesh, there was a period of many unsteady

political norms and hence governments due to pathetic dominant political parties, deprived

execution and enforcement capabilities moreover consequently, failed to sustain parliamentary

system which was dimly established subsequent to independence. From 1977 to 1990 was the

military governed era or more precisely autocratic age of Bangladesh during when the polity was

treated as personal assets by the military presidents, Ziaur Rahman and H. M. Ershad. Next in

1991, Bangladesh at last encountered a free and fair election and experienced a democratic

government although political competition was yet between the two major political parties,

Awami League (AL) and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Banyan (2015) said that,

“Bangladesh suffers a dysfunctional two-party system, in which the two party leaders, the

„battling begums‟, wage a personal vendetta at the country‟s expense” (p. 2). And here again

after a short steady period of political norms democracy is falling apart due to unjustified

practice of politics. The last election is a good illustration of unfair political practice.

Consequently, the setbacks pointed out earlier are growing massive hence taking us to the

devastation or one more rebellion. The present state is nothing but pointing a big question that

where the democracy is? Subsequently, democracy lives nowhere in Bangladesh due to not

having principled and skilled political leaders in the existing political parties and inert civil

society with a gigantic number of incompetent electorate.

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 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

People are the most important part of any democratic country. To analyze the appropriateness of

democracy as government scheme of Bangladesh I need to investigate methodically through all

relevant queries regarding current democratization process of Bangladesh. Accordingly

everything which regards to democracy should be taken into account and to execute that a few of

my doubts incorporate as follows:

 Do they think Democracy is the best form of government for Bangladesh?

 Do all Bangladeshi citizens who have right to vote, are competent enough to choose their

political leaders?

 Is Bangladesh practically ruling under democratic government?

 Do the required socio-political culture for a sound democratic government is present in

Bangladesh?

 Do modifications in the existing concept of democracy can make it appropriate for

Bangladesh?

 Do some other form of government is more appropriate for Bangladesh?

 What form of government is appropriate for Bangladesh for the current uncertainty?

 How many principles of Democracy are successfully implemented in Bangladesh till this

date?

 Are the people actually getting their amenities from their democratic government?

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 HYPOTHESIS

Democracy can be a surely excellent form of government. But the fact is, the populace should be

proficient enough to elect their leaders and hence there should not be any unethical practice of

politicians. From my research, I expect that democracy is not anymore appropriate form of

government. Since, in Bangladesh, people obtain the right to vote at age of 18 either they are

literate enough or not. For an instance, a scholar‟s vote and an illiterate man‟s vote is not the

same in value. Moreover, there is nearly a duo-party system in mask of multiparty system. In

addition to that, the political parties seem to perform remarkable corruption and violation of

human rights. As a result, I suspect that, either there should be some amendment or addition in

regulations of Bangladesh‟s democracy to make it realistic for Bangladesh or some other form of

government should seize the position.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

For my research project, I accumulated reliable journals and some books regarding Democracy

to enlighten me with an unambiguous knowledge about it. For books and journals, I used NSU

library and did internet searching as well.

Later then, once more from the internet, I assembled some research papers which were

previously done on democracy and political history of Bangladesh to amass some historical

information from those and also browse their references to gather more facts pertaining to my

research project.

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Afterwards, I accomplished a survey of representative sampling of a group of people from

different ages holding different kinds of occupation. I inquired some questions on them orally

which varied from person to person with their answers.

DATA REPRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

In contemplation of going deep into the research and to collect primary data for my research I

surveyed 40 random people of which 17 are students of dissimilar ages, 18 are service holder; 3

of them are businessman and the left one is housewife.

The first question I asked people was about their inclinations for democracy as the form

of government of Bangladesh. The maximum people which are around 60% preferred democracy

for Bangladesh and 27.5% went for a no to democracy.

Do you think democracy is the best form of

government in Bangladesh?
60
60
50
in percentage

40
27.5
30
20
6.25 6.25
10
0
Yes No Partially Yes No Answer
Answers

Graph 1: reaction to question concerning the preference for democracy in Bangladesh

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 The graph clearly shows that most of the citizens have a preference for democracy which

in turn indicates they are mostly contented with this form of government. It is not very unlikely

to assume that people perhaps mostly afraid to have any revolution or yet may not have any clear

vision about democracy and as well about their rights.

Coming to the respond of the next question which was about the competency of people

regarding selection of their political leaders, was as expected. People realize it undoubtedly that a

vast number of citizens of Bangladesh do not have that much literacy to elect the ideal leaders

for them. The percentage was 62.5 for supporting incompetency. The following graphical data

gives the understandable idea of it.

Do you thingk all citizens who have right to vote are

competent enough to choose their political leaders?

62.5
70
60
37.5
50
in Percentage

40
30
20
10
0
Yes No

Answers

Graph 2: Respond to the question about competency of citizens in voting the ideal political

leader

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 The literacy rate conceivably increased with time but ability of good judgment who is

righteous, who is capable, who is not under mask of goodness cannot certainly be evaluated by

the literacy rate. There are a lot of people who are accustomed to the violation of human rights

and still do not raise their voice either in afraid of getting into trouble or just like that.

Additionally, the numbers of people who are ready to vote a man just nicely conversed with

them are not negligible in this country. Furthermore, it is an ordinary scenario that before every

election the hypocrite politicians go door to door and seek for vote give fake guarantee to them

and no very surprisingly the adolescent people are fooled by them every time which is a sign of

their incompetency in electing righteous leaders.

Proceeding to the next question which concerns how much democracy is basically

pursued in democratic Bangladesh. 70 percent of people agreed that there is lack of democracy

which assembles with my hypothesis.

Do you think Bangladesh is practically ruled

under democratic government?

70
80

60
in Percentage

30
40

20

0
Yes No

Answers

Graph 3: Reaction to the question of how much democracy is in practice in Bangladesh

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 It is awfully ironic and undeniable as well that none of the basic notions of democracy is

put into practice in Bangladesh. The recent developments which government can claim and

hence counteract my study are even questionable that how much development took place for

state welfare. In addition to that, the decisions which government took for the sake development,

were there any conduit for people following which they may opine? This question over again

lead me to the question that where the democracy is existing. Government, at a time, is

disobeying more than one regulation of democracy which does not even require revealing.

Before beginning my next research query for primary data collection, I would like to

articulate my investigation accomplishing secondary research about socio political culture

required for lucid democracy of recent Bangladesh. A sound socio political culture means there

must be „a dynamic civil society‟ who oversights the activity of their political leaders and

„democracy oriented political leaders‟ who ensures the democratic privileges. In Bangladesh,

neither we have any dynamic civil society nor consistent and patriotic political leaders. In

Ahamed (2015) words, “In Bangladesh democracy has been imposed on a highly in-egalitarian

society, marked by all kinds of discriminations and inequities, where social ethos is yet to be

democratic. Political prudence demands therefore a highly creative and dynamic political

leadership which can prepare fertile ground for the luxuriant growth of democratic values”. In

recent days, confrontation of the two major political parties was dreadfully detrimental for not

only democratization process but also for the economic growth of the country. “The struggle

between two political coalition has paralyzed Bangladesh” stated by Manik and Harris (2013).

In addition to the above two important issues, Fair election is another imperative

prerequisite of sound democracy. Democracy requires free, fair and competitive election

(Diamond, 2002, p. 21). Accordingly, it does not even require words to proof that the last

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parliament election of Bangladesh was nothing but a „bluff‟. Parvez (2015) stated that, “the

unique nature of this parliament is this: that more than half of the members were elected

unopposed. The election was highly controversial and its credibility was questioned by national

and international media and experts”.

Do you think the required socio-political culture for

a sound democratic government is present in
Bangladesh?

50 42.5

40
in Percentage

27.5
30 20

20
10
10

0
Yes No Partly Yes No Answer

Answers

Graph 4: response to question regarding existence of required socio political culture for

democracy in Bangladesh

Now back to the research query which was about existence of relevant socio political

culture for democracy in Bangladesh. The people I surveyed might not have any comprehensible

awareness of their democratic rights. As of my observation most of the people answered this

question with prejudice for the Awami League (AL) or for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party

(BNP) since the percentage for each of option is indicating a mixed reaction amongst them.

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 Ensuing to my next question which was about any necessity of amendment in democratic

regulations to make feasible for Bangladesh, here again the response of people was mixed

concluded by the percentage for each option. The graphical analysis shows it evidently.

Do you think modifications in the existing concepts

of democracy can make it appropriate for
Bangladesh?

52.5
54
in Percentage

52

50 47.5
48

46

44
Yes No

Answers

Graph 5: response of people whether they need any alteration to the existing democratic

rules

Undoubtedly, democracy is an incredibly diplomatic form of government. It has been

customized with time passed by and now regulations of democracy are in no necessitate of

alteration. The amendment is in fact needed in the underactive society firstly and of course in the

infected politicians secondly. The influential assemblies in the civil societies who can play a vital

role for this amendment are demanding only self revenue. The jewels of democratic values are

mostly ignored by the ruling elite and even, they treat political authority as a source of limitless

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privileges and abuses without any accountability, doing foul at times (Ahamed, 2015). Secondly,

the politicians are even busier with playing unclean politics to remain in power and to nourish

their personal compartment. Again from Ahamed‟s (2015) words, “for the effective working of

democratic system in Bangladesh political leaders must realize the subtleties of the system, go

extra miles, take additional responsibilities, develop sound judgment, generate positive synergy,

achieve brilliance and must be soaked with democratic ethos”. There are actually several

solutions which can give us a beautiful democratic country but there are very less possible

approaches to formulate the solutions into practice.

Therefore, are the convenient remedies for sound democracy can be brought into

practice? – is yet a haunting question. Since democracy in Bangladesh is even worsening than

before, the answer may be a big „silence‟ for the question that ask if there is any light of hope for

democracy for not to be halted.

Coming to my next query where I have a consideration of launching some other form of

government for Bangladesh, maximum people‟s response was „no‟ to that, although the

percentage of people in support of establishing any other form of government was not very less.

The graphical demonstration below shows it markedly.

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 Do you think some other form of government is
more appropriate for Bangladesh?

60

60
40
In Percentage

50
40
30
20
10
0
Yes No

Answers

Graph 6: response of people in the question of having some other form of

government

Although the long cherished dream to be free, to be democratic which never came true

and besides there are almost zero percent possibility for this, yet Bangladeshis are dreaming to be

democratic. The recent developments and increasing GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth rate

might have been their aspirations. According to Trading Economics report for 1994-2016 the

GDP is the highest (7.05%) for the year 2016. Surprisingly, the percentage (40%) for preferring

some other form of government was not that greatly negligible which indicates people have lost

anticipation from this government, consequently they want alteration in the form of government.

The analysis for the above question is associated with the next question which notifies

that what form of government people want. The graphical representation is given here.

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 What type of Government would you prefer for
Bangladesh?

80 72.5

70
60
In Percentage

50
40
30
15
20
7.5
10 2.5 2.5

0
Democracy Monarchy Aristocracy Dictatorship Other

Answers

Graph 7: The form of governments that people have a preference

Here again, the answer is democracy when people are exposed to question of preferring

what form of government. The response of people is comparable with those students who want a

good grade without providing adequate efforts. My analysis is same as before and with this I

want to add the clause that fewer numbers of inhabitants have the enthusiasm or potency to

countenance any sort of revolution or change which is very likely. But whatever they thought

before answering these questions, the major questions remain the same as before – if not

democracy, then what? If democracy, then how?

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 SUMMARY OF RESEARCH FINDINGS

Afterwards analyzing the accumulated primary data, it is unambiguous that people are

consensus about the setbacks in our country to be democratic but not unite in finding the way out

of this. Perhaps the lack of awareness about polity, politics, democracy, democratization process

and of course civil rights is resisting them from being consensus in finding the way out.

The responses were in harmony when people are asked about competency in electing

ideal leaders, how much democracy is in practice and requirement of satisfactory socio political

culture. The maximum people admitted about the incompetency, the declination from democracy

and inappropriate socio political culture. All these aspects matched my hypothesis and also

indicate the subsequent troublesome episode we are going encounter since the circumstances are

worsening with the passage of time.

However, the harmony was broken whilst people are questioned about solutions.

Multifaceted reactions were given to the questions which were about appropriateness of

democracy for Bangladesh, need of alteration in regulations of democracy and lastly preference

for best suited form of government. Investigating all those, I can conclude with declaring that

people are not sure about what to do but deep inside they support democracy as the form of

government in Bangladesh.

According to my secondary data investigation, Bangladesh is yet far from achieving

democracy. As mentioned before the two solutions for accomplishing democracy which are

„awakening of civil society‟ and „constitution oriented politicians‟ are nearly impracticable to put

into practice due to worsening of the socio political circumstances. The recently elected

government, more precisely, imposed government is dragging the country to an authoritarian

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regime under the mask of democracy. According to the freedom house (2016) report, Bangladesh

is trending a downward arrow which indicated that Bangladesh is going afar from freedom and

they overviewed about the political and social unrest. Corresponding to the study of Khan et al.

the causes for failure in accomplishing democracy are tabled below (as cited in Rahman, 2010, p.

67).

Table: Why Democracy could not be established in Bangladesh?

Causes Percentages

Failure of political parties 32

Lack of democratic values 13

Illiteracy 12

Imperial conspiracy 9

Failure of government 5

Poverty 5

Intervention of army 4

Lack of commitment on the part of the 4

parties

Bureaucratic conspiracy 4

Lust of power 2

Dependency on foreign aid 1

Others 3

Not accounted 6

Total 100

Note: Retrieved from “Institutionalism of Democracy in the Political Parties in

Bangladesh,” by S. Rahman, 2010, p. 67.

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 This report was of the year 2010 when socio political culture was not so in unrest than

that of in the recent years. Therefore is not very inflexible to conclude that the deterioration of

the circumstances is pointing out the ineptness of democracy in Bangladesh. However, there are

solutions for that but even the solutions are nearly impractical for this socio political catastrophe.

RECOMMENDATIONS

There are several scholars who pointed out of what „to do‟ and what „not to do‟ to

accomplish a steady democratic political culture in Bangladesh. Nevertheless, regrettably

indications of implementation of those remedies have not been seen yet. Therefore I propose a

hybrid regime for Bangladesh which will form by amalgamating democracy and dictatorship.

Firstly, there should be a public examination before every election for examining the

competency of people in electing their political leaders which will be attempted by all the

citizens of Bangladesh. The people who will pass the examination will be certified as „eligible to

vote‟. And the people who fail in the examination will be taught about polity, politicians, and

their rights till the next examination take place. The people who are „eligible to vote‟ can opine

their preferences and can go in support or against of every decision which will be taken by

dictators for the state welfare.

Secondly, no power positions will be elected by the vote of citizens who are certified as

„eligible to vote‟. The scholars or educationist of the country, being dictators who are patriotic

will elect the power positions for next five years through a mass conference and this conference

will be live broadcasted. Every scholar or educationist will have to spell out the causes behind

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his vote for a particular politician. If there is no eligible politician for a particular power position

than that position will be filled up by those scholars who are attending the conference through

voting of course. If the people, certified as „eligible to vote‟, have proven objections against any

of the dictators, that particular dictator will be sacked. In hybrid regime, the dictators will play

role of „people representatives‟.

Thirdly, there will be no political parties. Each and every person who wants join politics

and hence want a position will go through several examinations to proof their proficiency for that

particular position. These examinations will be live broadcasted. If once these elected politicians

are proved guilty for any kind of violation, they can no longer be a participant for these

examinations.

Once a hybrid government is formed, every action of politicians which is questionable

will be clarified through a broadcasted summit. And as mentioned before if any action of those

scholars or educationists who elect power positions is disadvantageous for the country the people

who are certified as „eligible to vote‟ can raise their voice against him or her and hence

disqualify him or her from his or her position.

Lastly, I want add that this is high time to sit inert and watch the show. One more

revolution is a inevitability to make our liberty certain. And perhaps the long cherished dream to

be democratic may come true one day.

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 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, democracy is undoubtedly a well organized form of government. For being

a successful democratic country, following the obligations of democracy „word by word‟ may

not be the requirement, considering the successful democratic countries over the globe. But the

least requirements are having „active civil society‟ and „democracy oriented politicians‟ which

are presently unrealistic in Bangladesh. According to the investigation I showed so far,

democracy is not appropriate form of government in Bangladesh to any further extent. Moreover,

the unsteady political circumstances, underactive civil society, not having any possibility of fair

election, lack of patriotic politicians are the issues which dragging us towards nothing but a

catastrophe. Therefore, this is the high time for revolution to take place and hence to raise voice

once more for our country, our people.

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 REFERENCES

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Bangladesh:-Prospects-and-Problems

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