Democracy and Good Governance in Bangladesh: Are They Compatible?

Abstract

Democracy is the most desirable form of governance. Democratic governance has a long history in many developed countries of the world. But democratic governance in developing countries needs vigilant scrutiny. This article by utilizing good governance framework analyzes various problems afflicting institutionalization of democratic governance in Bangladesh as the country’s experiment with parliamentary democracy during the last two decades has raised many questions. It appears that the only justification for the continuation of the present governance system is that representatives of the people are at the helm of state affairs. The malice of the present governance system is there for all to see. Parliament in the true sense of the term is barely functional and bureaucracy is highly politicized. In this fold, it has serious implications for the morale and efficiency of the public servants as well for the level, frequency and quality of service delivery. Though judiciary has given some judgements to protect human rights, controversy still persists as to whether its judgements are influenced by political considerations or not. Though press freedom exists with some limitations, there is still a growing concern as to whether print and electronic media serve national interest or pursue narrow self-interest of their rich owners.

Public Trust in COVID-19 Prevention and Responses Between January and May 2020 in Bangladesh

“…However, the country's national parliament is not effectively functional, and bureaucracy is extremely politicized. 7 Consequently, it has negative implications for the spirit and competence of the public servants as well as for the standard of service delivery. 7 The country received a score of 2.27 out of 7 in regard to public trust in politicians -a quite low ranking in the world.…”

Global Governance, neoliberalism and national responses: The case of Bangladesh’s ready‐made garment (RMG) sector

“…This is mainly because elections, although held regularly, are often rigged, and the tenets of freedom, rule of law and accountability that are key to democratic governance are rarely observed. Human rights abuses and suppression of freedom are regular features of Bangladesh’s governing practices (Alam & Hasina, ; Kamal, ; Khan & Islam, ; Zafarullah & Rahman, ).…”

Good Governance in Bangladesh: Issues and Challenges

“…The legislature has been powerless to coordinate the doings of the bureaucracy. Law and order condition declined expressively because of the participation of political parties' leaders in criminal events and terrorism (Khan & Islam, 2012). Independence of media has been limited typically due to the connection between rich proprietors of print and electronic mass media and dominant and corrupted mechanisms of the society directed towards the murder of honest reporters.…”

“…In the meantime, the word 'good governance' was carried interest as the focus point by international donors and financial organizations. In sounds of good governance in the country has observed a sequence of disappointments which disturbing the entire state machineries which are accountable for underwriting in the direction of a passive and successful community (Khan & Islam, 2014).…”