Posted by: Farzana Yesmin
on Jul 20, 2009
Democratic Institutions in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is a parliamentary democracy, with broad powers exercised by the Prime Minister. Generally, many formal democratic institutions exist, such as parliament, an active opposition, a free print media and the judiciary. Competitive elections take place, and free speech is practiced. However, these institutions and systems often function with limited transparency, accountability and openness to public input. Consensus among the national leadership about policy-making process is absent.
The country experienced upheavals in the first 20 years of nationhood after the 1971 war of liberation. In 1990, a quasi-military regime came to an end, and a caretaker government was established. In early 1991, national elections were held. Power has been transferred twice between elected governments under a normal, democratic process. The most recent transfer took place after the 2001 parliamentary elections. Most international observers deemed them generally free and fair.
The Present military-backed Caretaker Government, which came to power on January 11, 2007 after the imposition of a state of emergency, was perceived to have saved the country from political and economic turmoil and anarchy that engulfed the country as a result of hostilities between the two major political parties. In bringing this crisis to an end, the Caretaker Government also promptly undertook a number of key reform initiatives including re-structuring of the Anti-Corruption Commission, re-organization of the Election Commission, re-organization of the Public Service Commission and separation of judiciary from the executive branch.
Currently, Bangladesh is at a critical juncture in its return to an electoral democracy with national elections scheduled for December 2008. The success of the interim caretaker government in achieving its objectives to curb corruption and implement meaningful reforms in public administration at the national and sub-national levels is not yet complete. The national anti-corruption drive has experienced policy and implementation inconsistencies and the declared public administration reforms are yet to be implemented. Despite these shortcomings, the country has continued to move down the right track for improving its governance systems.
