Stable democracy cannot be imagined without strong democratic institutions and its values. Democracy is but a skeleton of itself without functional, strong, and effective institutions. Bangladesh, now 55 years into its birth and existence as an independent nation, still seems a long way to go for transitioning to a stable democracy.
After its emergence as an independent state, Bangladesh started its journey as a democratic polity with a democratic constitution born out of the values and ideals of our Liberation War. But the journey was marred time and again due to unconstitutional changes of power that either led to prolonged military rule through the imposition of Martial Law or autocratic and authoritarian rule. To legitimise their rule, these governments brought many undemocratic amendments to the Constitution at different times, suiting their interests. In fact, quasi-military and authoritarian rule in the garb of democracy wrought havoc on the flourishing and stabilisation of democracy in the country for a pretty long time.
After the introduction of the caretaker government, fair and acceptable elections were held at least four times. Though the elections were fair with minimal irregularities, the standards of democratic practice in governance as well as in the legislature were almost absent, to the utter disappointment of the people. The “winner takes all” syndrome prevailed in running state affairs, including legislative functions. All institutions were politicised, including the vital organ of the judiciary, where allegedly politically affiliated and loyal persons were appointed. As a result, the edifice of democracy crumbled, and the vacuum was filled by authoritarian rule.
BNP this time came to power through an acceptable and credible election held on 12 February 2026. But from experience, we have to keep in mind that mere holding of a credible election will not ensure the institutionalisation and stabilisation of democracy. In democracy, institutions play a vital role in ensuring checks and balances in running the government, thereby drawing a limit to the arbitrary use of power.
Conceptually, all state organs, within their own sphere, operate freely to carry out their functions for people’s wellbeing and justice. The role of the judiciary needs special mention, as an independent judiciary is considered synonymous with the establishment of the rule of law. An independent judiciary itself is enough to give remedy to any wrong done to any person through misuse of power or negligence, and thus contribute to ensuring accountability in the executive organ. But in our country, despite court ruling on the separation of the judiciary, there are many controversies about its independence.
In the name of separation, control and administration of the lower judiciary has been transferred to the Law Ministry from the Ministry of Public Administration. But it is acutely felt that to ensure independent functioning of the judiciary, its secretariat must be placed under the Supreme Court. However, the ordinance issued to this end was repealed through a bill passed in Parliament. The nation expects that the government would take necessary action to place another bill on the issue after consulting stakeholders and scrutinising all complexities, as promised by the Law Minister, to ensure the independence of the judiciary. Appointment to the higher judiciary should also focus on merit, neutrality, and competence to avoid all kinds of controversies.
On the other hand, vital constitutional and statutory institutions must be headed by deserving, honest, dynamic, and efficient persons appointed through a fair and transparent system. These institutions, if allowed to function independently, will reduce authoritarian practices in governance. Therefore, institutions like the PSC, Election Commission, ACC, NHRC, and other vital commissions must be allowed to play their role independently and transparently, without executive influence. Otherwise, democracy will fail to take firm root and may easily slip away from the right track.
Democracy must be conceived as inclusive of its values and institutions. Rather, these are the lifeblood of democracy. Democratic values represent its culture. The question may arise: what are the values of democracy? We can easily identify values embedded in democratic dispensation. If we observe the democracies of Western developed countries, we can identify them as tolerance, freedom of expression, mutual respect, accountability, respect for law, ideological competitiveness, and constructive policy debate, etc.
When democracy is in continuous practice, all these values automatically flourish and contribute to the growth of a healthy political culture. As a result, all organs of the state and institutions flourish and stabilise, giving democracy a strong footing. This also requires changes in some laws, including relevant constitutional provisions. Appointment of judges in the High Court and constitutional bodies by the President, without executive intervention, will help stabilisation of institutions.
Another vital aspect of the institutionalisation of democracy and stabilisation of institutions is the democratisation of party politics. The absence of democratic practice in party politics automatically reflects in governance affairs. From grassroots to the centre, if party leaders are elected democratically through council elections, it will help develop strong leadership at party level and stop internal party infighting. Moreover, it will help build a strong ideological base and discipline in the organisation, increase confidence among party rank and file. This will promote democratic practice at the grassroots level and bring forward honest leadership with clarity of vision and dedication in times of crisis.
So many factors require immediate attention to address the problems pertaining to strengthening the democratic process in the country. Among them, stronger institutions and the flourishing of democratic values and culture through continuous practice deserve great priority.
The writer is former DG (BIAM) and Adjuct Faculty, East West University
