Masks of Authoritarianism: Hegemony, Power and Public Life in Bangladesh

This edited book explores how the authoritarian regime in Bangladesh affects daily life, based on field research and interviews. It will interest political scientists and scholars of Bangladesh, the Islamic world, and hybrid regimes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This edited book delves into the profound impact of the increasingly authoritarian regime in Bangladesh on the lives of its citizens. Once known for its flawed but genuine electoral democracy, Bangladesh has transitioned into a 'hybrid regime' as categorized by The Economist's Democracy Index. While the country retains the façade of a democratic system, the reality is that law and leadership are merely symbolic, existing only on paper. What sets this book apart is its focus on examining the tangible ways in which these changes affect the daily lives of individuals. Each chapter is grounded in extensive fieldwork, firsthand experiences, and in-depth interviews and ethnography, providing a rich and nuanced understanding of the subject matter.

The book appeals to a wide audience, including political scientists and scholars specializing in Bangladesh, the Islamic world, and beyond. Its findings have broad implications for hybrid regimes and offer valuable insights into the challenges and complexities of governance in contemporary societies.

The rise of authoritarianism in Bangladesh has been a gradual process, marked by a series of political developments and restrictions on civil liberties. The government has cracked down on opposition parties, journalists, and human rights activists, using repressive laws and surveillance to suppress dissent. The media has been subject to strict censorship, and civil society organizations have been targeted for their work in promoting democracy and human rights.

One of the most significant impacts of the authoritarian regime has been on the economy. The government has implemented policies that favor the interests of a small elite, leading to widespread corruption and economic inequality. The country's infrastructure has been neglected, and public services have been underfunded, resulting in poor quality of life for many citizens.

The authoritarian regime has also had a profound impact on social and cultural life in Bangladesh. The government has limited freedom of expression and assembly, and there have been reports of arbitrary arrests and detentions. Cultural events and festivals have been suppressed, and religious minorities have faced discrimination and persecution.

Despite these challenges, there is a growing resistance movement in Bangladesh, led by civil society organizations, journalists, and human rights activists. They are working to promote democracy, human rights, and social justice, and to hold the government accountable for its actions. The international community, including the United Nations and the European Union, has also expressed concern over the situation in Bangladesh and has called for greater respect for human rights and democratic principles.

In conclusion, this edited book provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the effects of the increasingly authoritarian regime in Bangladesh on the lives of its citizens. It highlights the challenges and complexities of governance in a hybrid regime and offers valuable insights into the ways in which individuals and communities can resist and overcome these challenges. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the political and social dynamics of Bangladesh and the broader region.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811643163
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022