Problems and Prospects of Democracy in Bangladesh

Present Problems of Democracy in Bangladesh

1. Absence of democratic political culture.
2.  Absence the rule of law.
3. Lack of political morality.
4. Absence of strong civil society.
5. Absence of strong political leadership.
6. Confrontation politics.
7. Ineffective political institution.
8. Corruption and terrorism.
9. Negative/ double standard.
10. Lack of tolerance and reciprocity.

Other major problems & impediments of democracy

1. Parliamentary committee system.
2. Problems of bureaucracy and public administration.
3. Problems of political parties.
4. Problems of press and media.
5. Problems of local government.
6. Problems of unconstitutional laws and the control over delegated law.
7. The leadership problem.

Prospects of Democracy in Bangladesh

In spite of numerous problems and obstacles in the run up of democracy in our country, there are cheers for democracy envisaged in the vary process of our politics and governance, such as---

1. Homogeneous Character of the People: the people of our country are almost homogeneous in their origin, socioeconomic and political belief. Expect some minorities in CHT, almost all the people are from Bengali origin and about 85 percent of our people are Muslims. Such homogenous character of the people is a positive side for democratic development.
2. Provision for Caretaker Government: In spite of some preordained blames of defeated parties, caretaker government has to be credited for holding a free and fair poll which given nation confidence on very process of election and politics.
3. People’s Eagerness for Democracy: The presence of voters in polling centers, their enthusiasm about election and politics and their verdict against misdeed of govt. both 1996 and 2001, proved that people are eager to democracy and it is increasing day by day.
4.  Peaceful Transition of Power: After completion of five years term, the AL government has transferred power in the hand of a non-party caretaker government and after a free and fair election; the CG has transferred the power to an elected government. Such process of peaceful transferred the power to an elected (BNP) government. Such process of peaceful transition of power is positive sign of democratic development in the country.
5. March Toward too Party System: Although there are too many political parties in Bangladesh, the result of recent poll envisage the march of nation toward a two party system.
6.  Response of Civil Society: Now-a-days civil society is very conscious about various issues of democracy and governance. Very often-civil society response against government for any anti public interest. It is a good sign of democracy.
7.  Independence of Press, Media and Newspaper: Today all the press, media and newspapers are enjoying the full independence except govt. Radio and TV. So we can say it is another light of hopes for democracy.
8.  Party Campaign at the Grass Root Level
9. Privatization
10. Role of NGO
11. Women Empowerment
    

    Conclusion: 

    from the above discussion we can say that from very early of civilization democracy was discussed from various viewpoints and applied it various way. Today most of the people want to enjoy this form of government. The people of Bangladesh are not out of them. But Bangladesh has been facing various problems to institutionalize democracy since its independence. Yet it, prospects of democracy in Bangladesh today are not insignificant. I think the suggested policy measures given above would be helpful for the policy makers of the state for democratic development. For this the media, civil society and sociopolitical organizations and institutions must play the pioneering role.