Civil Society in Bangladesh: Vibrant but Not Vigilant

This book explores the state of civil society in Bangladesh in relation to development and democracy, challenging the normative assumption of a positive relationship between civil society and democracy. It reveals that while civil society organizations are active in social services, they lack the necessary attributes for ensuring participation, proper interest articulation, and monitoring of the state. Political structures and vertical social relationships contribute to a non-vigilant civil society. The book is recommended for researchers, students, and development practitioners interested in South Asia and understanding the potentials and limitations of civil society in relation to development and democracy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 187 pages
Publication date: 14 February 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This groundbreaking book offers a comprehensive understanding, analysis, and prediction of the state of civil society in Bangladesh in relation to development and democracy. It is a pioneering research endeavor aimed at unveiling the paradox prevalent in developing countries like Bangladesh, where numerous and active civil society organizations (CSOs) exist but have had minimal impact on consolidating democracy. While acknowledging the normative assumption on the positive relationship between civil society and democracy asserted by the mainstream neo-Tocquevillean School, which significantly influences donor policies, this book also challenges and qualifies it.

The book provides a broad perspective on civil society in Bangladesh, encompassing both modern and conventional CSOs. By delving into the origin, nature, and functions of these organizations, readers gain a more authentic understanding of the true state of civil society in relation to other actors within the political system. Through a combination of survey data analyses, empirical observations, and carefully selected case studies, the book reveals that CSOs actively participate in social services. However, it also highlights that these highly active CSOs in the field of social development lack the necessary attributes for ensuring participation, proper interest articulation, and monitoring of the state.

Through systematic analysis, the book demonstrates that political structures, particularly political parties, along with vertical social relationships such as clientelism, patronage, nepotism, and corruption, have contributed to a non-vigilant civil society in Bangladesh. While this issue is often discussed in different terms, the book sheds light on the underlying factors that have hindered the development of a robust and engaged civil society.

This book is a valuable resource for researchers, students, and development practitioners with an interest in South Asia. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing civil society in Bangladesh and offers insightful recommendations for promoting its growth and strengthening its role in promoting development and democracy. By exploring the complexities and dynamics of civil society in this region, the book contributes to the ongoing discourse on civil society and governance in developing countries.

Weight: 338g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789813344068
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021