Bangladesh Lags Behind in Democracy Index

The UK-based organization The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has stated that Bangladesh is a 'hybrid' governance country.

According to the EU's classification, free and fair elections are often hampered in countries with 'hybrid' regimes. Widespread corruption and weak rule of law, weak civil society are characteristics of a 'hybrid' type of governance.

Judiciary in such countries is not independent and journalists are harassed and pressured.

Today, September 15, is the International Day of Democracy recognized by the United Nations. The day is being celebrated since 2008. On this day, it is seen that Bangladesh is behind in democracy related indicators. Year by year, Bangladesh advances slightly in some indicators and lags behind in some indicators. But no big improvement is seen.

In 2002, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights declared human rights, freedom of expression, rule of law, fair elections, independent judiciary, transparency of administration and free and open media as essential elements of democracy. On the occasion of Democracy Day, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in a statement, "Democracy cannot survive without free media."

According to Reporters Without Borders' Free Media Index-2022, Bangladesh's position has fallen 10 places and stands at 162 out of 180 countries.

Good governance, anti-corruption, freedom of speech on the Internet—Bangladesh is not in an attractive position. Asif Nazrul, Professor of Law Department of Dhaka University, told the media that there is no need to look at the indicators of foreign organizations, the past two national elections in the country, the suppression policy of the government on the opposition parties, the Digital Security Act, mass prosecutions, the absence of an effective opposition party in the parliament - it is clear as daylight that the country It has gone backward in the direction of democracy.

Never in the history of 50 years has such a fallback occurred during the period of civilian rule. He said, "We have come a long way from 1991 to 2013. Since 2014, we have been lagging behind continuously."