Democracy in Bangladesh today is in for contradictions. One is a healthy trend towards higher standards of transparency and accountability in public life. A culture of public vigilance has begun to develop and the civic credentials of political leaders are coming under closer public scrutiny. However, there is also a counter-trend of suppression and subversion of the people's right to information and related civil liberties.
To illustrate, political leaders have craftily resisted an attempt to make it mandatory for them to disclose their assets. The state at times appears to be tightening its grip on NGOs, media, and other independent institutions. Attempts are frequently made to curb political opposition and stifle public criticism. Instead of addressing the concerns raised by the dissenters, the spotlight is turned on whatever fault can be found in their public activities or even their personal lives. Under the cover of scrutinising particular individuals and organisations in public interest, the direct and indirect links of the targeted organisations with foreign institutions have been scrutinised to absurd limits, in a vain attempt to expose some 'foreign hand' behind their activities.
We, the law-abiding citizens, call for united action to resist the growth of anti-democratic tendencies in our politics and society.
Gopal Sengupta
gopalsengupta@aol.com
Democracy in Bangladesh
FE Team | Published: July 12, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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