Bangladesh experienced a significant drop in the 2024 Democracy Index, falling to 100th out of 167 countries. The decline is attributed to allegations of electoral fraud during the January elections and ongoing political instability. The report also highlights a global trend toward autocracy, with Bangladesh’s case illuminating the struggles faced by democracies worldwide.
The Democracy Index for 2024, published by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), indicates that Bangladesh has experienced a significant decline in democratic rankings, plummeting 25 places to the 100th position out of 167 countries. This unfortunate decline places Bangladesh closer to the lower end of the hybrid regime classification. Furthermore, the nation witnessed the largest reduction in score globally, dropping 1.44 points on the 0-10 scale due to factors such as a contested election and persistent political turmoil.
The index reveals that Bangladesh’s performance has been severely impacted by allegations surrounding the January 2024 general elections, including claims of electoral fraud, suppression of dissent, and government manipulation. The EIU report emphasizes an ongoing global decline in democratic governance, with a notable rise in autocratic regimes, as indicated by Joan Hoey, the director of the Democracy Index, who remarked, “The world’s democracies are struggling.”
Other countries in the region exhibited varied rankings, with India holding the 41st position, Bhutan at 79th, Nepal at 96th, Pakistan at 124th, and Afghanistan at the bottom of the list in 167th place. A notable observation from the index is that most of the world’s leading democracies are concentrated in Europe, with Norway taking the top spot and New Zealand as the only non-European nation in the top ten.
The aftermath of the January elections in Bangladesh saw the emergence of grassroots movements, driven particularly by youth organizations advocating for political change. However, the protests that led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 also unveiled sectarian divisions, contributing to violence against minorities. The interim government now faces considerable pressure to conduct new elections, yet it is reportedly focusing on instituting reforms to restore democratic norms, potentially delaying electoral processes beyond 2025.
In summary, Bangladesh’s declining rank in the Democracy Index highlights the deteriorating state of its democratic institutions and governance. The allegations surrounding electoral malpractice during the January 2024 elections, coupled with political unrest and sectarian violence, indicate significant challenges to democracy in the nation. Looking ahead, the interim government’s commitment to reform may determine the future of democratic processes in the country.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
