Distrust and Dispute: A Twenty Years Journey of Democracy in

Bangladesh.

Abstract

Bangladesh has a long and rich political history. More than 200 years the

territory was under rule of British and Pakistan. That was history of exploitation,

torture and deprivation. Bangladesh emerged as a sovereign state to world map on

16 December 1971 after a bloodbath. Nine month sanguinary war for independence

is the pride of the nation. The country Bangladesh was founded on the basis of a secularist

nationalist ideology in opposition to the Muslim identity propounded by the Pakistani state

between 1947 and 1971. Bangladesh starts its journey as a democratic country, but a

dramatic transformation of domestic politics taken place within three and half years. The

founding leaders were assassinated by military and the country goes under rule of army. Next

15 years army dictatorship is considered as black chapter of Bangladesh domestic politics.

Another civil movement in 1990 replaces democracy. From 1991 the country is in

democratic nature. Free and fair national election is considered as the way to achieve

ruling power of the country. But the journey of democracy in Bangladesh is not so

smooth in nature. Democratic government rule Bangladesh for last two decades but

still now the country has not achieved sustainable democracy. In reality, the lack of

democratic practice can be seen in every layer. Impatient and conflictfull politics,

violence and corruption hampered the development trend of the country. Distrust

and disputes are common phenomenon in domestic politics. This paper aims to find

out causes of domestic political conflict in reflection of last twenty years political

flow of events. Beyond the reality what are constrains of achieving sustainability in

democracy. To find out the answer of these questions this paper will discuss

Bangladesh's domestic politics from a historical perspective. What are the origin of

democracy and how it is functioning? All these answer should be drawn in

perspective of domestic politics of Bangladesh. On basis of overall arguments this

paper will portray the strength, weakness, opportunity and threats of the journey of

democracy in Bangladesh.

Introduction:

Inceptions of Bangladesh on world map as a sovereign state take place at end

of 1971. This new journey ended a history of exploitation, torture and deprivation of

more than 200 years. British colonization at this subcontinent starts from undivided

Bengal. The first protest against British also starts from here. Movement against

British rule introduced active political activity to Bengal people. It constructs a long

and rich history over the year. Independence from British rule is the result of

continuous political movement. And soon after finally it lead independence from

Pakistani rule. New born Bangladesh starts its journey as a democratic country. But

the journey was not smooth enough. Within three and half year the country goes to

under army dictatorship. In 1979, Bangladesh began a short-lived experiment with

democracy led by the overwhelmingly popular President Zia, who established good

relationships with the West and the oil-rich Islamic countries.1 In 1981 he

assassinated and again army took the control of the country. At the end of 1990

finally Bangladesh found its desire democratic image.

Last 20 years several times Bangladesh fall in critical condition but

successfully continues its democratic journey. The domestic political environment is

not calm and quite. Political conflict among two major political parties is the

common fact. Extreme condition of this conflict constrains democratic environment.

During 2007-2008 two years emergency rule is the result of domestic political

conflict. Political dichotomy between two major parties leads this conflict. Awareness

among people about their democratic right always drives the country in democratic

way.

Study Context:

Bangladesh is one of the world's most densely populated countries.2 160

million people supported by a small land area only 147570 sq.km. Natural disaster,

poverty, illiteracy, gender inequity are constrain of the country. Thereafter

1 Bangla 2000, The largest portal of Bangladesh. Accessed: 1st November 2012, URL:

http://www.bangla2000.com/bangladesh/history.shtm

2 BBC News, 10

th July 2012, ‘Bangladesh profile‟ Accessed: 1st November 2012, URL:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12650940

Bangladesh maintains a steady economical growth. For this reason Bangladesh is

consider as a potential country. Bangladesh has also a huge importance in regional

factors like politics, trade etc. For these reason domestic political factors of

Bangladesh is a concerning issue. More over people of present age desire a

sustainable democratic environment. Lack of legislation, lack of practicing

democratic political culture, absence of temporizer and strong civil society; day by

day destroying country's political culture. In this context it is important to find out

the root causes of political disputes.

Aim and Objectives:

The aim of this paper is to find out causes of domestic political conflict in

reflection of last twenty years political flow of events. Beyond the reality what are

constrains of achieving sustainability in democracy. To achieve these aims this paper

set out some specific objectives.

Objectives:

Explore the present domestic political condition of Bangladesh

To find out constrains of achieving sustainability in democracy in Bangladesh

Research questions:

The research questions are set out as following:

What major events occurred in domestic politics of Bangladesh within last

twenty years?

How it affects political stability?

Why distrust and disputes are the characteristics of Bangladesh‟s domestic

politics?

Rationale of the study:

Politics is one of the inseparable parts of a nation. In case of Bangladesh

political culture are not well established. Though from 1991 direct election after

every five years is considered as the way to gating ruling power of the country. Last

two decades Bangladesh rules alternating by two major parties Bangladesh Awami

League (AL) and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The oscillation of power

between the two parties since the 1990s has adversely affected Bangladesh‟s growth

potential and ability to address problems of poverty, energy shortages, terrorism and

climate change.3 Political disputes in Bangladesh is commonly known factor. But

why these disputes are present. This question is unfamiliar in most of the study. The

individuality of this study is to find out the probable answer of these questions. The

subject matter of this study is to explore the inherent causes why political disputes

taken place in domestic politics.

Limitations of the study:

Domestic politics of a country always a concerning issue. In case of

Bangladesh domestically all issue get importance but eventually it not get

importance in international level. Descriptions of all political events are very

available. But in depth analysis of all those events are unavailable. Particularly most

of the sources are found in local language. To translate all these sources are a great

limitation of this study. Sometime information founds in contradictory mode. This

situation often creates dilemma for considering any information.

Literature Review

A number of literatures have been reviewed for conceptualized the overall

situation of Bangladesh‟s domestic politics. Those literatures are emphasized on

different area related to Bangladesh‟s domestic politics. Important few are as

following.

Virtual Bangladesh4 one of the leading web portal of Bangladesh, has an

excellent writeup on historical transformation of Bangladesh‟s politics. On account of

significance of succession Pakistan‟s history for the next 26 years was marked by

political instability and economic difficulties. The government was dominated by

Military and Oligarchies all rooted in the West. Frictions between West and East

Pakistan culminated in a 1971 army crackdown against the East Pakistan dissident 3 Roubini Global Economics, Bangladesh: Domestic Politics; Accessed: 1

st November 2012, URL:

http://www.roubini.com/briefings/67807.php

4 Virtual Bangladesh: History: Overview; Accessed: 2

nd November 2012, URL:

http://www.virtualbangladesh.com/history/overview.html

movement led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who‟s Awami League (AL) Party had

won 167 seats out of 313 National Assembly seats on a platform of greater autonomy

for the eastern province.

Post independent political background state here as the Awami League won a

massive majority in the first parliamentary elections in March 1973. Implementation

of promised political reforms was slow, and Mujib increasingly was criticized. In

August 1975, he was assassinated by mid-level army officers. Successive military

coups occurred on November 3 and 7, resulting in the emergence of Army Chief of

Staff Gen. Ziaur Rahman (Zia), as strongman. In 1981, Zia was assassinated by

dissident elements of the military. Army Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. H.M. Ershad

assumed power in a bloodless coup in March 1982. By mid-1990, opposition to

Ershad's rule had escalated and Ershad resigned in December 1990.

One of the very important studies over domestic politics of Bangladesh is

done by G. H. Peiris. In his study „Political Conflict in Bangladesh‟5 he states that-

Bangladesh has continued to suffer from internal political instability. Since 1972,

following a brief spell of democratic governance which ended with efforts by the

country‟s first elected leader to move towards a system of one party presidential rule,

there was a prolonged phase that lasted up to the early 1990s during which

Bangladesh remained under the control of autocratic military regimes. To a study of

conflict in Bangladesh the experiences outlined above are, no doubt, of fundamental

relevance. That Bangladesh has lacked political stability and has experienced

periodic outbursts of violence cannot be disputed.

Dr. Joyeeta Bhattacharjee has a very good research over Bangladesh‟s political

system. On her research “Bangladesh: Political Trends and Key Players”6

Bangladesh has a multiparty parliamentary political system. There are over 100

political parties in the country but only four political parties dominate the political

scene: Bangladesh Awami League (AL); Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP); Jatiya

Party (JP); and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI). Among these, AL and BNP enjoy majority

5 Peiris, G. H. (1998), “Political Conflict in Bangladesh”, Ethnic Studies Report, XIII(1): 1-72.

6 Bhattacharjee, J. (2011), “Bangladesh: Political Trends and Key Players”, Observer Research

Foundation, Volume 1 Issue 2, November 2011

support of the people and have alternatively formed the government since

democracy was restored in 1991. Other parties, JI and JP, have not formed any

government on their own but have enjoyed power by participating in coalitions.

DR. Sreeradha Datta has intensive study over political violence in

Bangladesh. In her study “Political Violence in Bangladesh:Trends and Causes”7

she describes that- Political violence can be defined as acts carried out by individuals

or groups with an explicit desire of accomplishing a particular political objective or

directed at the party in power to secure political concessions or compromises that are

otherwise not possible. Unlike other states in South Asia, violence in Bangladesh has

a special feature – it flows from a society that is highly politicized and increasingly

intolerant. Therefore, while independent Bangladesh has not witnessed the type of

conflict and violence that Sri Lanka or Nepal are witnessing, or even what Pakistan

has been going through, it increasingly has a charged and violent political

environment.

A discussion of political violence in Bangladesh would refer to violent tactics

employed by political parties and groups opposed to the government in power with

an explicit desire to secure a political concession. It would also include protest

actions that often transform into violence such as hartals, bandhs (complete cessation

of public activities during a political strike) and other non-parliamentary methods

adopted by various political parties. Indeed, it is the vitiating climate that enables

political groups to resort to violence in order to express and achieve their

political/social goals.

Methodology:

The study is essentially empirical and exploratory in nature. General idea

about nature of domestic politics of Bangladesh helps to design the topic. Further

conceptualization made through review of literatures. Formulation of objectives and

research questions design was next step for the study. Detail discussion made after

on basis of secondary data only. All arguments present in this study are always tried

7 Datta, S. (2005), “Political Violence in Bangladesh: Trends and Causes”, Institute for Defence Studies

and Analyses, Strategic Analysis, Vol. 29, No. 3 Jul-Sep 2005.

to bring out into unbiased position. Finally the study will ends up with some

concluding remarks.

Political evolution of Bangladesh:

Post independence period Bangladesh starts its journey as a secularist

democratic country. First constitution of followed a modified British model that

includes prime ministership, an independent judiciary, and a unicameral legislature.

Four basic principles nationalism, secularism, socialism, and democracy

incorporated at that constitution. In 1973 first parliamentary election held and

Awami League (AL) gets majority. In 1974, state emergency proclaimed by Sheikh

Mujibur Rahman. And he was assassinated by mid-level army officers in 15th August

1975. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ziaur Rahman (Zia) occupied state control. He elected

for a 5-year term as president in 1978, and formed Bangladesh Nationalist Party

(BNP). BNP get majority in next parliamentary elections of February 1979.

In 1981, Gen. Ziaur Rahman was assassinated and vice president Justice

Abdus Sattar was constitutionally sworn in as acting president. And finally Army

Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. H.M. Ershad assumed power in a bloodless coup in March

1982.8 Full political rights, including the right to hold large public rallies, were

restored 1st In January 1986. In October 1986 H.M. Ershad resigned as chief of army

staff and elected president of Bangladesh.

In July 1987, the opposition parties united for the first time in opposition to

government policies. Ershad declared a state of emergency in November, dissolved

parliament in December, and scheduled new parliamentary elections for March 1988.

Ershad's party won 251 of the 300 seats. That parliament passed a large number of

legislative bills, including a controversial amendment making Islam the state

religion. From the mid 1990 the movement gets in extreme position and by campus

protests, public rallies, general disintegration of law and order with general strikes.

As result H.M. Ershad resigned in 6th December 1990.

8 Virtual Bangladesh: History: Overview; Accessed: 2

nd November 2012, URL:

http://www.virtualbangladesh.com/history/overview.html

Politics after 1990:

After 15 years army dictatorship Bangladesh again came into democratic

track by a free and fair elections of 27th February 1991. Bangladesh Nationalist Party

formed a coalition government with the Islamic fundamentalist party Jamaat-e-

Islami (JI). In September 1991, Bangladesh goes to parliamentary system and

returning governing power to the office of the prime minister by changing

constitution.

At the end of this government in December 1994 first time two parties

political conflict came in front. Electoral procedure was the central of this dispute.

Opposition demand election under a neutral caretaker administration. Parliamentary

boycott, series of strikes and shutdowns called by opposition. By the end of 1995, the

political impasse engendered early the previous year by the opposition parties‟

parliamentary boycott still had not been resolved.9 New election called at February

1996 but opposition boycotted the elections. One party election brings BNP again in

state power. Continues political disputes forced BNP to accept oppositions demand

about neutral caretaker government. BNP hand over the state power to caretaker

government and election held at June 23, 1996.

That election brings Awami League to sate power. Like before, at end of the

Awami League's tenure was marked by opposition boycott of the parliament and

increasingly political violent attempts. But Awami League completed its five year

tenure and became the first government to complete its tenure in Bangladesh. On

October 2001 again election held under caretaker government. That elections were

won by a four party coalition led by of the BNP. But end of election AL complaint

against vote manipulation and stayed away from the parliament.

2001-2006, five years BNP‟s term was marked by a repeat of opposition

boycott of the parliament and increasingly violent attempts at forcing early elections.

Severe political dispute come in front on „caretaker government‟ issue. Al blames

that the new chief of caretaker government made by a pre planed game of BNP.

9 Hossain, G. (1996), “BANGLADESH IN 1995 Politics of Intransigenc”, Asian Survey, Vol. 36, No. 2,

University of California, pp. 196-203

Opposition protest turned into direct conflict. By this time government complete its

term and president forms a caretaker government body. Finally when president

become support less from his advisors body. All advisors resigned accelerate another

political crackdown. On 11th January president called state emergency well known as

„one eleven‟ in Bangladesh‟s political history. An army backed administrative

government take charge. This government takes two years for administrative reform

and finally declared election on December 29, 2008. That election was won by „Grand

Alliance‟ which was led by AL. this government presently rules the country.

Parliament system of Bangladesh:

Bangladesh has a unicameral legislature. The Parliament known as „Jatiya

Sangsad‟ has 345 members, of which 300 are directly elected by the people. The

remaining 45 seats are reserved for women elected through the process of

proportional representation. The President is the head of state, but in practice the

executive power rests with the office of the Prime Minister. The PM and the Cabinet

are, however, answerable to the Parliament.10

Political parties of Bangladesh:

Bangladesh political system is dominated by two major parties named

Bangladesh Awami League (AL) and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Among

the other parties Jamaat-E-Islami Banglades (JI) and Jatiya Party (JP) are well

established and have significant influence in politics.

The oldest political party of Bangladesh is Bangladesh Awami League (AL).

The party played a leading role in liberation war by strong leadership of Sheikh

Mujibur Rahman. AL considers secularism, democracy and Bengali nationalism is

their stand point. Initially, AL was regarded as a socialist organization. After

Independence the party pursued socialist economy for Bangladesh. That idea fails to

bring substantial benefit and ideologically AL has evolved into a left-of-centre party.

So when it formed the government in the 1996, the party embraced a free-market

10

Constitution of Bangladesh, Part 4, Chapter 2, Article-55.

economic policy, liberalisation and privatisation.11 And in 2008 AL continues its

recent stand point. Among all the leading political parties in Bangladesh Al has

goodwill as a secularist party. But several times the party has made alliances with the

conservative and radical religious parties. This attempt is considered as electoral

politics of the party and it hampers party‟s secularist fame. But still now this party is

supported by all religious minority groups.

Portrayal of major political parties of Bangladesh:

Name of party Founding

year

Self-

description

Support base Current head

Bangladesh

Awami League

(AL)

1949 Liberal,

democratic,

secular and

nationalist

All group of people,

including ethnic and

religious minorities

Sheikh Hasina

Wajed

Bangladesh

Nationalist

Party (BNP)

1978 Nationalist,

democratic

and liberal

All sections/class of

people: religious,

military and

business groups

Begun

Khaleda Zia

Jamaat-E-

Islami

Banglades (JI)

1979 Islamic and

conservative

but pragmatic

Religious and

business groups

Matiur

Rahman

Nizami

Jatiya Party

(JP)

1986 N/A Popular in northern

region of Bangladesh

Hussain

Muhammad

Ershad

Source: Political Parties in South Asia: The Challenge of Change South Asia, Regional Report by International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, Stockholm, 2007

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) formd by military ruler, Gen. Ziaur

Rahman, in September 1, 1978. He formed the party to coat his authoritarian ruling

by a democratic colour. After his assassination the party control goes to his wife

Begun Khaleda Zia. And she played a strong role in 1990‟s movement against army

dictatorship. This event brings huge popularity for the party and eventually the

party becomes one of the two most influential political parties in Bangladesh. Ziaur

Rahman was known for his anti-India stand. BNP is known for its antagonist attitude

11

Bhattacharjee, J. (2011), “Bangladesh: Political Trends and Key Players”, Observer Research

Foundation, Volume 1 Issue 2, November 2011

towards India.12 From the originating time the party has an excellent relation to the

Middle East countries. During last twenty years BNP forms state government three

times including 1 time single party election. But the last time 2001-2006 their fame

hampered by rise of Islamic militant groups. The party have not taken any steps

against this occurrence because of they made allay with the conservative Islamic

party Jamaat-E-Islami Banglades (JI).

Electoral performance of two leading political parties:

Last twenty years of democratic journey Bangladesh observed five national

elections. One of them was one party election, and rests of the four have changed the

country‟s ruling power. In every election two major parties performance has

dramatically changed. In 1990 two major parties has experience of leading movement

together against army authoritarian government. But soon after when finally

democracy came the leading two parties become hostile opponent of each other. The

electoral performance of tow leading parties is the result of their ruling performance.

In every election a party takes ruling power by public mandate and end of their term

they become fail to fulfill their commitment. Their corruption, failure to control

domestic violence every time throws them out of power.

Electoral performance of two leading political parties:

Source : Bangladesh: Political Trends and Key Players”, Observer Research Foundation, Volume 1 Issue 2, November 2011

12

Ibid. pp 13.

Present political situation:

Through last election of 2008, Awami League (AL) takes the state power by

gating huge public support. Of 300 sited National Parliament they won 230 sit and

their alliance party has won 27 more sits. This result makes them single giant party in

the parliament. More than two third supports help them to formulate any legislation

that they want. For this reason Awami League (AL) takes first step against „caretaker

government‟. The bad experience of 2007-2008 has leaded them to take this decision.

But opposition party Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) protest against this

decision. Al amended constitution and that leads BNP for political protest. This

political protest will seems to become political conflict. From the experience of last

four governments it is clear that the political conflict arise in highest position during

the end of a ruling term. So it has been predicted that by the end of this government

term political conflict will arise on basis of caretaker government issue.

Considered causes for political conflict:

Gradual deteriorating law and order situation and violence has become

known as a major threat to domestic stability. Political intolerance and violence

affects all tiers of the state and society. Notwithstanding the institutionalization of

electoral democracy, political tolerance is lacking and criminalization of politics has

become an established norm with criminals/dons being the patrons and the main

beneficiaries of the politicians.13 Money power plays a large role in between criminals

and politicians. Politicians keep good relation with criminals to increase their power.

By analyzing the nature of political trends of Bangladesh the root causes came

in front for political disputes are:

Difference between two conflictfull parties’ politics: Most of the time

political conflicts arise between two leading parties. Two party‟s norms, values, point

of views always stay in two different poles. Even they are not aggregate in national

issues also.

13

Datta, S. (2005), “Political Violence in Bangladesh: Trends and Causes”, Institute for Defence Studies

and Analyses, Strategic Analysis, Vol. 29, No. 3 Jul-Sep 2005.

Lack of institutionalization of electoral democracy: Electoral democracy in

Bangladesh is not well established. After independence several times it changed. Till

now two parties are divided on ground of electoral procedure.

Periodically increase political conflict: the trend of political disputes in

Bangladesh maintains a common tendency. The time for national election gets more

closely and the political disputes occur more frequently.

Distrust among political parties: in case of Bangladesh all political parties

aimed to take political power by any way. In case of power they trash their stand

point. This situation brings distrust among them.

Power politics: The dirtiest side of domestic politics of Bangladesh is power

politics. In rural and remote part of the country suffers this problem most. Power

defined by politician‟s assets and control over local criminals/mastans. This is

sometime called as criminalization of politics.

Corruption of political leaders: Transparency international states in their

report that Bangladesh national parliament is become a club of millioners. Corrupted

parsons become political representatives most of the time. They spend money for

election and targets to earn more money by corruption.

All of these causes make domestic politics conflictfull. In Bangladesh politics

no party have any headache for public purpose. All their activity they perform for

only achieving ruling power. But in recent years there seems some new hope. New

and fresh bloods come in democracy. Media become powerful factors. People

become aware against corruption. In future these factors may lead Bangladesh‟s

democracy in a right way.

SWOT analysis of Bangladesh’s democracy:

SWOT analysis gives a comprehensive look for any particular subject matter.

In case of present study the strength, weakness, opportunity and threats of the

journey of democracy in Bangladesh has noted down. Last twenty years

Bangladesh‟s political condition was very unstable and conflict was common

scenario. Corruption creates large threat for democracy. In rural areas of Bangladesh;

politics drives by power. Most of the time people are forced to put their mandate. But

the best sign for Bangladesh‟s democracy is people are conscious enough about

democracy. That ends up authoritarian rule. The democratic journey creates new

hope for the future generation.

SWOT analysis

Str

en

gth

People are conscious enough

about democracy.

Military are not interested in

direct political interference.

New generation take place

in politics of Bangladesh.

Very unstable political

condition.

Political conflict is common

fact.

Political parties are not

interested to practice

democracy inside them.

We

ak

ne

ss

Op

po

rtu

nit

y

Strong election commission.

High and steady economical

growth.

Decrease of human right

violation.

Corruption among political

parties and administration.

Power politics.

Highly motivated people.

Th

reats

Conclusion:

Bangladesh‟s political history is very much eventfull. Dramatic change has

taken place several times in forty years of independence. But in last twenty year

constantly stay in democratic track is considered as a success of the country. But the

hope for third party politics for Bangladesh may not come true in future. Awami

League (AL) and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) may remain the main political

forces in Bangladesh. And civil society will continue to support democracy. But the

character of the democratic journey for Bangladesh will depend largely on how the

two major political parties behave. The strength of the institutions of governance like

parliament, judiciary and election commission will set the course of democratic

process in the country. That carried out the new hope for distrust and disputes less

strong and sustainable democracy for Bangladesh.