Published: 24 February 2024
Although Bangladesh has made significant progress in the socio-economic field in the post-independence period, instability and uncertainty have always prevailed in the political field. The rise of undemocratic forces at different times in Bangladesh has continuously hindered the democratic process and progress. However, through prolonged movement and struggle, an outline was formulated by the three main political alliances on the path of democratic transition in 1991. Through signing that outline, the three main political alliances committed to assuming the responsibility of governing the country through free and fair elections, forming a sovereign parliament, establishing an accountable executive branch and protecting people's fundamental rights, independence and neutrality of the judiciary, freedom of mass media, and establishing the rule of law to sustain the democratic system.
Due to the deficit of democratic values and mutual respect amongst political parties in Bangladesh, there is continuous deviation from the democratic path and drift towards electoral violence repeatedly. Besides, due to legal weaknesses, political interference, capacity deficit, corruption, accountability deficit, impunity, immunity, etc., integrity institutions cannot properly play their role in democratic and integrity practice and political development in the field of integrity. As a result, deterioration of Bangladesh's position in various global indices regarding democracy and integrity practice is being observed.
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