Democratic Governance in Bangladesh: Dilemmas of Governing

This book explores the role of government in the governing process of Bangladesh, highlighting the dilemmas and constraints faced by successive democratic governments since the early 1990s. It identifies how representative institutions have declined and how disagreements on the 'basic rules of the game' have made governing difficult. It is a comprehensive analysis that will interest academics studying Area Studies, particularly South Asian Studies, and governance, public policy, and administration.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 07 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate dynamics of government in the governance process of Bangladesh, shedding light on the challenges and complexities faced by successive democratic governments since the early 1990s. Despite impressive achievements in economic and social fields, Bangladesh has struggled to consolidate its democratic status, lagging behind many other new democracies in the political realm. This book identifies the gradual decline of representative institutions of governance under democratic governments in Bangladesh, as well as the contentious disagreements on the fundamental rules of the political game, which have made governance exceedingly difficult and hindered democratic consolidation.

This comprehensive analysis offers valuable insights into the crises in governance and their implications for democratic consolidation in Bangladesh. It will appeal to scholars and researchers in the fields of Area Studies, particularly South Asian Studies, as well as governance, public policy, and administration.

The book begins by examining the historical background and political context of Bangladesh, highlighting the country's transition from a military regime to a democratic one in the early 1990s. It explores the initial hopes and aspirations of the democratic movement, as well as the challenges and setbacks it faced in the early years of independence.

The central theme of the book is the decline of representative institutions of governance under democratic governments in Bangladesh. It examines the role of the executive branch, the legislature, and the judiciary in the governance process and identifies the factors that have contributed to their decline. The book argues that the concentration of power in the hands of the executive branch, the lack of effective checks and balances, and the politicization of the judiciary have undermined the democratic legitimacy of the government.

Furthermore, the book explores the contentious disagreements on the fundamental rules of the political game that have plagued Bangladesh's democratic consolidation. It examines the role of political parties, civil society organizations, and the media in shaping public opinion and political discourse, and the challenges they face in promoting democratic values and institutions. The book argues that the polarized nature of political discourse, the dominance of particular interest groups, and the lack of a consensus on key issues have hindered the development of a strong and inclusive democratic society.

To address these challenges, the book proposes a range of recommendations for improving the governance process in Bangladesh. It emphasizes the importance of strengthening the independence and accountability of the judiciary, promoting greater political participation and engagement among citizens, and fostering a culture of dialogue and compromise among political parties and civil society organizations. The book also calls for the establishment of a robust system of checks and balances to ensure that the executive branch is held accountable to the legislature and the public.

In conclusion, this book is a significant and comprehensive analysis that identifies and explains the implications of the crises in governance for democratic consolidation in Bangladesh. It offers valuable insights into the challenges and complexities faced by successive democratic governments and provides a roadmap for addressing them. The book will be of interest to scholars, researchers, policymakers, and citizens alike who are committed to promoting democratic values and institutions in Bangladesh and beyond.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032333533