Democracy, though globally dominant since the fall of communism, is far from a one-size-fits-all system.
It would be a gross dereliction of duty by our political leaders if they fail to reach a consensus on a reform package.
South Asia was fragmented in 1947 at the macro (regional) level, but even more egregiously so at the micro (nation-state) level.
The broader question is whether South Asia can transcend the legacies of colonialism and embrace a model of cooperation that prioritises collective well-being over individual dominance.
Bangladesh’s ongoing democratic transformation calls for reforms, a new constitution, and youth leadership.
If we grasp that our expectations were unrealistic, a decline in our expectations of the interim government need not entail a sense of disappointment.
This Victory Day, we must pledge to create a fair and just Bangladesh
It requires a complete overhaul of the systems that allowed corruption, inefficiency, and anti-democratic practices to flourish.
Having analysed the drivers of democratic transitions in the context of Bangladesh, on balance, we may still be on track to beat the odds.
Democracy, though globally dominant since the fall of communism, is far from a one-size-fits-all system.
It would be a gross dereliction of duty by our political leaders if they fail to reach a consensus on a reform package.
South Asia was fragmented in 1947 at the macro (regional) level, but even more egregiously so at the micro (nation-state) level.
The broader question is whether South Asia can transcend the legacies of colonialism and embrace a model of cooperation that prioritises collective well-being over individual dominance.
Bangladesh’s ongoing democratic transformation calls for reforms, a new constitution, and youth leadership.
If we grasp that our expectations were unrealistic, a decline in our expectations of the interim government need not entail a sense of disappointment.
This Victory Day, we must pledge to create a fair and just Bangladesh
It requires a complete overhaul of the systems that allowed corruption, inefficiency, and anti-democratic practices to flourish.
Having analysed the drivers of democratic transitions in the context of Bangladesh, on balance, we may still be on track to beat the odds.
When the constitution and laws of a country of 170 million people allow and enable one individual to have complete control over the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the government, can that country genuinely be considered democratic?
