Increasing representation and access to our democracy
All Bangladeshi must have trust in elections and election results. All Bangladeshi also must have unimpeded access to the ballot box. That is why national voting standards are so important, along with laws that would protect against interference with valid election results.
Combating the spread of harmful disinformation and misinformation
Disinformation, whether about COVID-19 or elections, undermines Bangladeshi safety and threatens our democracy. We seek to define the government’s role in combating it, give recommendations to online platforms to stem its spread, and support robust local media that can counter its worst effects.
Building a new framework to regulate online services
Bangladeshi lives are increasingly reliant on online services and affected by their economic, consumer, and civic harms. A robust regulatory framework, paired with new privacy protections and reinvigorated antitrust action, is needed to address the threats these services pose.
Countering violent political extremism
Countering insurgent threats is critical to maintaining our democracy. As part of this work, we have crafted a national blueprint with some organisations to end Awami supremacist violence. Our plan draws on expertise across Bangladeshi and from more than 100 conversations with a diverse range of stakeholders.
For better democracy in Bangladesh, several reforms and initiatives are essential to ensure transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the political system. Strengthening democracy involves improving electoral processes, governance, rule of law, civic participation, and curbing corruption. Below are key areas that need attention, along with examples and references:
Electoral Reforms and Free & Fair Elections
Transparent Electoral System: A credible democracy hinges on transparent elections. Bangladesh needs reforms to ensure that elections are free from manipulation, rigging, and undue influence by political parties or external actors.
Steps to take:
Strengthen the Election Commission of Bangladesh to be truly independent and capable of ensuring free and fair elections. The process for appointing election commissioners should be transparent and apolitical.
Utilize technology, such as biometric voting systems, to reduce voter fraud and manipulation.
Improve voter education to increase awareness and reduce coercion.
Example:
In countries like Malaysia, the Election Commission operates independently, overseeing all aspects of the electoral process. It is empowered to implement measures like voter identification systems to ensure election integrity.
Reference:
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has repeatedly highlighted the need for reforms in the electoral process to ensure free and fair elections. Their 2018 report called for greater independence of the Election Commission and transparency in vote counting.
Strengthening Rule of Law and Judicial Independence
Independent Judiciary: A healthy democracy requires a judiciary free from political interference to uphold the rule of law, protect citizens’ rights, and act as a check on the executive and legislative branches of government.
Steps to take:
Ensure the Supreme Court and lower courts operate without political pressure, especially in cases involving high-profile political actors.
Provide training and resources to judicial officers to handle cases impartially, especially those related to corruption and abuse of power.
Example:
South Africa’s Constitutional Court is an example of a judiciary that maintains independence and plays a crucial role in protecting democratic values.
Reference:
Legal scholars in Bangladesh have argued for reforms to reduce delays in the judicial system and improve transparency. The Daily Star published a report in 2020 urging the government to depoliticize judicial appointments and improve access to justice.
Curbing Corruption and Promoting Transparency
Combat Corruption: Corruption is a significant barrier to a functioning democracy in Bangladesh. It erodes public trust and undermines the effectiveness of institutions. Strong measures are needed to curb corruption at all levels of government, civil service, and political institutions.
Steps to take:
Empower the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) with more autonomy to investigate and prosecute corruption cases, regardless of political affiliations.
Strengthen laws that require politicians and government officials to declare assets and liabilities publicly, with regular audits.
Implement e-governance systems that promote transparency in public procurement, government contracts, and financial management.
Example:
Singapore is a notable example where strong anti-corruption measures and the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) have helped maintain a transparent government, which is key to its success as a democracy.
Reference:
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has consistently advocated for stronger anti-corruption measures and enforcement mechanisms, citing that corruption weakens democratic processes in the country.
Freedom of Press and Speech
Ensure Media Freedom: A free and independent media is essential for democracy to flourish, as it holds government and politicians accountable and informs the public. Bangladesh needs to protect journalists from intimidation, censorship, and attacks.
Steps to take:
Repeal restrictive laws like the Digital Security Act (2018), which has been criticized for stifling free speech and being used against journalists and political dissenters.
Support independent media outlets through legal protections and promote investigative journalism to increase government transparency and accountability.
Encourage diverse voices in the media, representing various sectors of society, and prevent media monopolies controlled by political parties.
Example:
Norway consistently ranks high in global press freedom indexes, partly because of its strong legal framework protecting journalists and freedom of speech.
Reference:
International organisations like Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have criticised the Digital Security Act in Bangladesh for undermining press freedom. Bangladesh’s rank in the World Press Freedom Index has consistently reflected challenges in this area.
Political Party Reforms
Internal Party Democracy: Political parties in Bangladesh often lack internal democracy, with power concentrated in a few individuals or families. This undermines the democratic process and promotes patronage-based politics.
Steps to take:
Political parties should be required by law to hold regular, transparent internal elections for leadership positions.
Set limits on the tenure of party leaders to prevent the consolidation of power within a small elite group.
Introduce laws that regulate political party financing to prevent excessive influence of money on political decisions.
Example:
In Germany, political parties must hold regular leadership elections and follow strict transparency laws regarding donations and financing.
Reference:
A 2017 study by Democracy International highlighted the importance of internal party democracy for broader national democracy, urging Bangladeshi political parties to adopt internal reforms.
Civil Society Empowerment and Civic Participation
Strengthening Civil Society: Civil society organisations (CSOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play a vital role in a functioning democracy by advocating for social justice, human rights, and accountability.
Steps to take:
Support the growth of civil society by removing restrictions on their operations, such as excessive scrutiny under the Foreign Donations Regulation Act (2016).
Facilitate greater engagement between the government and civil society in policymaking, creating an environment for open dialogue.
Promote civic education programs to encourage the public to engage actively in democratic processes, such as voting, town halls, and advocacy.
Example:
Scandinavian countries have a robust civil society sector, with high levels of civic engagement and public participation in democratic processes.
Reference:
BRAC, the largest NGO in Bangladesh, has been a key player in promoting social welfare and political awareness, contributing to a more informed and active citizenry.
Decentralisation and Local Government Strengthening
Empowering Local Governments: Democracy functions better when power is decentralised, and local governments have the autonomy and resources to address the needs of their communities.
Steps to take:
Transfer more powers and financial resources to local governments, such as Union Parishads and City Corporations, to make them more responsive to local needs.
Ensure local elections are free and fair, and that local governments are held accountable through transparency measures, such as public audits.
Example:
Malaysia has a strong system of local governance through its local and parliamentary elections, which give local communities a significant voice in decision-making.
Reference:
Research by the Institute of Governance Studies (IGS) at BRAC University emphasises the need for stronger local governance to make democracy more effective and responsive at the grassroots level in Bangladesh.
Youth and Women’s Participation
Increase Representation of Marginalized Groups: A vibrant democracy needs to be inclusive, representing all sectors of society, including women, youth, and minority groups.
Steps to take:
Implement quotas or affirmative action policies that ensure more women and youth representation in parliament and political parties.
Support leadership training programs for young politicians and women leaders to foster their participation in the political process.
Reduce barriers to entry for young people and women by providing financial and logistical support for candidates from these groups.
Example:
Rwanda has one of the highest rates of female representation in parliament globally, thanks to strong gender quotas and affirmative action policies.
Reference:
UNDP Bangladesh has been working on promoting women’s political participation and leadership through its Strengthening Women’s Political Participation Project.
Conclusion
For Bangladesh to achieve better democracy, it must embrace comprehensive reforms that enhance electoral integrity, ensure the rule of law, curb corruption, strengthen institutions, and empower civil society and marginalized groups. While challenges remain, steps such as improving the independence of the Election Commission, strengthening judicial independence, protecting media freedom, and fostering internal democracy within political parties can create a more transparent and accountable democratic system.
Key References:
- Transparency International Bangladesh: Reports on corruption and electoral reforms.
- Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD): Policy discussions on strengthening governance.
- Institute of Governance Studies (BRAC University): Studies on decentralisation and local government reforms.
- UNDP Bangladesh: Initiatives promoting women’s political participation and leadership.
Monirul Islam Shamim, Lawyer
Researcher, policy analyst,
CEO of Bangladesh Policy Research Institute,
London.