Bangladesh Crisis: Why some democracies fail

The demise of former Bangladeshi PM Khaleda Zia and the return of Tarique Rahman in Bangladeshi politics, mark a significant point in the history of Bangladeshi politics. This timing is crucial as Bangladesh is going through a period of economic and political crisis. 

With the Student-led revolution in Bangladesh last year, which led to the removal of the long-term tenure of Former PM Sheikh Hasina and the installation of an interim government under Muhammad Yunus, the situation didn't turn out to be as expected. The fall of the Awami League created a political vacuum, which gave rise to long-term oppositions like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Jamaat-e-Islami, etc. At the same time, India imposed restrictions on the import of Bangladeshi textiles via land route, which has caused a huge impact on its economy. India has long served as the transit route to help Bangladesh reach the Global market. Moreover, the country is facing a high level of inflation and unemployment right now.

It is crucial here to understand that the problem of Bangladesh is not political, but rather Structural in nature. Democracies thrive on its Political Institutions in the form of Free and Fair elections, a responsible legislature and an independent Judiciary. The country failed to build these strong institutions during the early years of independence, and to this date, it is paying a price for it. This can be explained by going back into Bangladesh's journey.

The country got its independence in the year 1971. The first President of the country, Mujibur Rehman, was assassinated in 1975. After this, till the 1990s, the country was under Military rule by General Ziaur Rahman and General Muhammad Ershad. This compromised institution-building measures. The 1990s were also the time of the Oil boom, which led to an increase in demand for workers in West Asia. A huge number of Bangladeshis utilised this opportunity by migrating to the Gulf region. The second generation Bangladeshi migrants got radicalised in West Asia, which led to a rise in Islamic Extremism in Bangladesh in the late 90s. This Islamic radicalisation is still visible in the rise of Jamaat in Bangladesh, and the popularity of Student politicians like Osman Hadi advocating for 'Greater Bangladesh'.

Unless Bangladesh makes some strong structural measures in the form of Infrastructure, Institutions and Skill building, history will continue to repeat itself with new faces in Bangladeshi politics.