Independent Bangladesh: In quest of democracy

Even after 54 years of independence, Bangladesh is still waiting for the restoration of democracy. Having gone through numerous political ups and downs, elections, power transitions, and struggles for the establishment of citizens' rights, the nation remains hopeful for better governance and efficient public services.

Political analysts and political scientists argue that the dream that led to the birth of an independent sovereign state in 1971 has not yet been fulfilled, even after five and a half decades. The fundamental principles incorporated into the Constitution of 1972—nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism—have been repeatedly violated by both political and non-political regimes.

Over this long period, Bangladesh has witnessed multiple instances of one-party rule, autocratic governance, and military rule. Despite repeated movements to restore democracy, true democratic governance that fosters public welfare has remained elusive.

Democratic Bangladesh Through the 1970 Election

On December 7, 1970, during the first and last general elections of united Pakistan, the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won 288 seats in East Pakistan and secured an overall majority. However, the ruling junta in West Pakistan delayed the transfer of power, triggering widespread protests, movements, and resistance across East Bengal from March 1, 1971.

On March 7, at a massive rally in the Racecourse Ground (now Suhrawardy Udyan) in Dhaka, Sheikh Mujib implicitly declared Bangladesh’s independence. On the night of March 25, under the orders of Pakistan’s President General Yahya Khan, the brutal military crackdown known as "Operation Searchlight" was launched, marking one of the worst genocides in history. This led Sheikh Mujib to declare the final push for independence. After a nine-month-long bloody liberation war, Bangladesh emerged victorious as an independent sovereign nation.

According to political scientist Professor Dr. Rounaq Jahan, the power transition crisis following the 1970 election ultimately led to the Liberation War. Many analysts believe that this election was the foundation of democratic principles in the newly formed independent Bangladesh and the precursor to a parliamentary democracy.

Searching for Democracy Again

Following the 1970 election, Bangladesh formed its first parliamentary government after the 1973 national elections. However, within just four years of independence, on January 25, 1975, the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution introduced a presidential system of government. The ruling Awami League merged with several other pro-Liberation War parties to form a single political entity called the Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BAKSAL).

This move was widely criticized both domestically and internationally as a major blow to democracy. However, the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family members on August 15, 1975, by a faction of the military prevented the full implementation of this system. Many believe that Mujib’s assassination marked the emergence of right-wing politics in Bangladesh, setting off a long struggle to restore democracy.

Political analyst Professor Dil Roushan Jinnat Ara notes, “Sheikh Mujib’s authority faced challenges within a short time. He couldn't fully establish democracy before his regime was challenged. Both left-wing and scientific socialism advocates opposed his rule.”

Writer and researcher Badruddin Umar states, "After the formation of BAKSAL, fascist oppression began in the country. All political parties and newspapers were banned, and mass arrests and persecution followed. BAKSAL was a dictatorship, and that’s why the people rejected it."

Zia and Ershad’s Military Rule

On November 7, 1975, a counter-military coup brought army chief General Ziaur Rahman to power. This coup drastically altered the political landscape of Bangladesh. Under Ziaur Rahman’s leadership, Bangladesh saw its first military rule, which led to the retreat of democracy and the emergence of center-right politics.

Initially, Zia retained Justice Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem as President and Chief Martial Law Administrator while serving as his deputy. However, in November 1976, Zia removed Sayem and took full control. In July 1976, his administration introduced political party regulations, allowing new and old political parties to register and operate. By April 1977, Zia had assumed the presidency himself.

In 1978, Zia retired from the military and established the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). This new political force posed a challenge to the Awami League, which had led the Liberation War. However, Zia was assassinated in a military coup in Chittagong on May 30, 1981.

Badruddin Umar states, "After the Liberation War, Zia introduced a multi-party system, strengthening Bangladesh’s democratic structure. Although he never engaged in religious politics, his policies allowed the resurgence of religion-based politics in the country."

On March 24, 1982, then-army chief Lieutenant General Hussain Muhammad Ershad seized power by removing President Abdus Sattar and declared martial law. He later formed the center-right political party Jatiya Party, mirroring Zia’s political approach. Ershad became Bangladesh’s longest-serving military ruler. However, following mass protests, he was forced to step down on December 6, 1990.

The 1990 Uprising and the Return to Democracy

From 1983 to 1984, the anti-military and anti-autocracy movement intensified under the leadership of several student organizations. Student leaders endured repeated attacks and persecution from the military. The killing of student leader Jihad on October 10, 1989, by police gunfire further fueled the movement. This led to the formation of a united front of political parties, which culminated in a mass uprising that forced Ershad out of power on December 6, 1990.

Bangladesh held its first widely accepted free and fair general election in 1991 under a neutral caretaker government. The election marked the return to a parliamentary democracy. In 1996, mass protests forced the Khaleda Zia-led government to amend the Constitution to institutionalize the caretaker government system, ensuring fair elections.

Despite democracy being reinstated, the country faced another political crisis between 2006 and 2008. Following the end of the BNP government’s term in 2006, the handover of power to a caretaker government was controversial. On January 12, 2007, a military-backed caretaker government led by Fakhruddin Ahmed took over and organized the 2008 general elections, in which the Awami League won a two-thirds majority and formed the government in 2009.

According to Professor Dr. Rounaq Jahan, "After the Awami League came to power, a new political chapter began. Expectations were high, but despite ruling for 17 consecutive years, the party failed to fulfill those expectations. The elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024 further narrowed democratic space, pushing the country towards autocracy. This led to the mass protests of 2024, which ultimately forced Sheikh Hasina out of power."

A Nation Awaits

Analysts suggest that following the mass protests in July, the newly formed National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has emerged. Some view it as the third "King’s Party" after BNP and Jatiya Party. However, unlike the former two, which were formed under military rule, this party has emerged from student and youth leadership. Whether the much-needed reforms and democratic aspirations of the people will materialize depends on the upcoming elections and the vision of the next government.

Researcher Badruddin Umar states, "The necessary political reforms depend on national political parties reaching a consensus and implementing reform recommendations. An election is essential to reestablish democracy."

Emphasizing the urgency of reforms, Professor Dr. Rounaq Jahan adds, "Since independence, every ruler has claimed to promote democracy but has done so to serve their own interests, not the people's. Now is the time to build national consensus and open the path to true democracy."

"The 2024 mass movement was not just about toppling autocracy. It was about securing voting rights and ensuring corruption-free governance and economic services. Everything now depends on a fair and free election. The actions of the next elected government will determine the true outcome of the movement."