What Dhaka Needs

(Source: The Indian Express, Editorial Page)

Background: 

• Bangladesh has been governed by the Awami League under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since 2009. Political tensions have intensified post-2024 elections, amid boycotts by the opposition and international concerns over human rights. A recent UN report has also flagged alleged rights violations, particularly during anti-government protests. Despite economic progress, Bangladesh faces growing institutional erosion, politicized governance, and retributive justice against opponents.

Challenges to Democratic Consolidation:

• Personalized Politics: Governance remains concentrated around political figures rather than institutions.

• Absence of Transitional Justice: Bangladesh has lacked an institutional mechanism to deal with past authoritarian abuses.

• Judiciary and Civil Liberties: Courts are increasingly seen as partisan, and civil society space is shrinking.

Need for Institutional Reform:

• Independent Judiciary: The judicial system must be freed from executive interference.

• Electoral Reforms: Free and fair electoral systems need a strong, autonomous election commission.

• Civil Society Participation: Democratic deepening requires enabling opposition, NGOs, and media.

International and Regional Implications:

• India’s Role: As a key strategic and economic partner, India has a stake in Bangladesh’s internal stability and democratic maturity.

• Geopolitical Stability: Institutional breakdown can invite extremist backlash and geopolitical realignments.

• Global Watchdogs: UN, Commonwealth, and EU continue to monitor democratic backsliding in Bangladesh.

Way Forward:

• Bangladesh must invest in institutional strengthening—judiciary, electoral bodies, and rights commissions—to consolidate its democracy. Political leaders should prioritize transitional justice frameworks over personalized retribution. India must adopt a supportive but non-intrusive stance to foster regional stability.