- The absence of a clear successor within the Awami League or a strong opposition capable of filling the leadership void could result in uncertainty and turmoil.
- In the absence of strong democratic institutions and vibrant opposition, there is a risk that Bangladesh could slip into authoritarianism.
- Strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring their independence, and promoting transparency and accountability can help safeguard democracy in the long term.
The political landscape of Bangladesh is once again at a crossroads with the potential resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. As the leader of the Awami League (AL) and a central figure in Bangladeshi politics for over a decade, her departure could have significant implications for the country’s democratic future. This essay examines the potential consequences of Hasina’s resignation on democracy in Bangladesh, considering both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Sheikh Hasina’s Legacy
Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh’s founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has been a dominant political figure. Under her leadership, Bangladesh has experienced substantial economic growth, significant infrastructure development, and progress in social indicators such as health and education. However, her tenure has also been marked by controversies, including allegations of authoritarianism, suppression of dissent, and electoral manipulation. Hasina’s leadership style has been both a source of stability and contention. Her ability to consolidate power within the Awami League and the government has provided continuity, yet it has also stifled political pluralism. The opposition, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has faced significant challenges in operating freely, leading to concerns about the erosion of democratic norms.
Challenges to Democracy
Hasina’s resignation could create a power vacuum, leading to political instability. The absence of a clear successor within the Awami League or a strong opposition capable of filling the leadership void could result in uncertainty and turmoil. Bangladesh’s democratic institutions, including the judiciary, the Election Commission, and law enforcement agencies, have often been perceived as biased or under the influence of the ruling party. Strengthening these institutions to function impartially is critical to maintaining democratic integrity in the post-Hasina era. The BNP, historically the main opposition party, has been weakened by internal divisions and legal challenges against its leadership. A fragmented opposition may struggle to provide a credible alternative, undermining the competitive nature of democracy. In the absence of strong democratic institutions and vibrant opposition, there is a risk that Bangladesh could slip into authoritarianism. Power struggles within the ruling party or attempts by the military to intervene in politics could further destabilize the democratic process.
What future awaits Bangladesh?
On a positive note, Hasina’s resignation could serve as an impetus for reform. Strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring their independence, and promoting transparency and accountability can help safeguard democracy in the long term. The departure of a polarizing figure like Hasina might open the door for political reconciliation. Engaging in dialogue with the opposition and fostering a more inclusive political environment could help bridge the deep political divides in the country. An active civil society and free press are vital for democracy. Encouraging civic engagement and protecting press freedom can enhance democratic participation and accountability. The international community can play a supportive role by advocating for democratic norms and providing assistance for institutional development. Diplomatic pressure and support for civil society initiatives can contribute to a more resilient democracy.
But the question would be, who will lead Bangladesh to these romanticized notions of having a better future? Is this a wrong step taken by Bangladeshis in the hysteria of getting rid of Hasina? Will Jamaat-e-Islami take Bangladesh into its control through other organizations to implement its long-time apocalyptic idea of a full-fledged Islamic State?
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, commonly referred to as Jamaat, is a significant yet contentious player in the political landscape of Bangladesh. Its roots, ideology, political activities, and the controversies surrounding it have shaped its role in the country’s politics. This essay explores the history, ideological foundations, political influence, and controversies of Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh. Jamaat-e-Islami was founded in 1941 in British India by Maulana Abul Ala Maududi, to establish an Islamic state governed by Sharia law. Following the partition of India in 1947, Jamaat continued its activities in both Pakistan and the newly formed East Pakistan, which later became Bangladesh after the Liberation War of 1971. During the war, Jamaat-e-Islami opposed the independence movement, siding with the Pakistani military, a stance that has had long-lasting repercussions on its political legitimacy and public perception in Bangladesh. Jamaat-e-Islami’s ideology is rooted in the principles of political Islam. It seeks to implement Sharia law and establish an Islamic state through so-called democratic means. Jamaat emphasizes the role of Islam in public and private life, advocating for moral and social reforms in line with Islamic teachings. This ideological stance positions Jamaat as both a religious and political entity, influencing its approach to governance and policy-making.
Despite its controversial past, Jamaat-e-Islami has managed to maintain a notable presence in Bangladeshi politics. It officially registered as a political party in independent Bangladesh in 1979. Over the years, Jamaat has formed alliances with major political parties, most notably the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). These alliances have allowed Jamaat to wield significant influence, particularly during periods of BNP rule. Jamaat’s political strategy has often involved leveraging its organizational strength and grassroots support to mobilize voters. Its participation in elections has seen fluctuating success, with periods of significant parliamentary representation, particularly in the 1991 and 2001 elections. Jamaat’s influence extends beyond electoral politics to social and educational sectors, where it runs numerous schools, colleges, and welfare organizations. Jamaat-e-Islami’s involvement in the 1971 Liberation War remains a deeply divisive issue. Many of its leaders were accused of collaborating with the Pakistani military and committing war crimes. This historical baggage has continued to haunt the party, culminating in the establishment of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in 2010. The ICT has prosecuted several high-ranking Jamaat leaders, resulting in convictions and executions, which have further polarized public opinion. In addition to historical controversies, Jamaat has faced legal challenges regarding its political legitimacy. In 2013, the Bangladesh High Court ruled that Jamaat’s registration as a political party was invalid due to its charter violating the country’s secular constitution. This decision effectively barred Jamaat from contesting elections under its own banner, significantly impacting its political activities.
In recent years, Jamaat-e-Islami’s political influence has waned due to the legal and political challenges it faces. The convictions of its leaders and the ban on its political activities have weakened its organizational structure and electoral prospects. However, Jamaat remains active through its affiliated organizations and continues to influence certain segments of society. The future of Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladeshi politics is uncertain. The party’s ability to re-establish itself as a legitimate political force depends on its capacity to navigate the legal challenges and address the historical grievances associated with its past. Additionally, Jamaat’s future will be shaped by the broader political dynamics in Bangladesh, including its relationships with major political parties and the evolving socio-political context. Departure of Hasina, for sure, must have given them the much-anticipated relief. One needs to wait and watch to see to what extent it will play with BNP and the Military to remain relevant.
Sheikh Hasina’s resignation could mark a critical juncture for democracy in Bangladesh. While it presents significant challenges, it also offers an opportunity for democratic renewal. The future of democracy in Bangladesh will depend on the ability of political leaders, institutions, and civil society to navigate this transition, address underlying issues, and foster a more inclusive and robust democratic framework. The potential for democratic death exists, but so does the promise of a democratic rebirth, contingent on the collective will and actions of the Bangladeshi people and their leaders. The return of cyclical democracy in Bangladesh is a complex phenomenon with deep-rooted historical, political, and socio-economic dimensions. While the country has made significant strides in its democratic journey since independence, the persistent cycle of democratic and authoritarian governance poses a serious challenge to its future. To break this cycle, it is imperative to strengthen democratic institutions, promote inclusive governance, and address the underlying socio-economic issues that drive political instability. Only through sustained efforts in these areas can Bangladesh hope to achieve a stable and prosperous democratic future.
(Dr Nanda Kishor M S, Head & Associate Professor, Department of Politics and International Studies, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, India. He holds an M.Phil. and Ph.D. from the University of Hyderabad and a Post-doc from the University of Leiden, The Netherlands. Views expressed are the author’s own.)
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