Challenge of Democratic Renewal by undoing Authoritarianism

Bangladesh Flag. Wikimedia Commons.

Mostafa Kamal Majumder 

For nearly 16 years, Bangladesh has endured a political landscape dominated by authoritarian governance, where state institutions were systematically molded to serve one-party dominance. The challenge of steering the nation toward democratic renewal is not merely political—it is a battle against entrenched bureaucratic partisanship, a security apparatus designed for suppression, and a rewritten historical narrative that erases fundamental elements of Bangladesh’s identity. This distortion, supported by foreign influences, threatens the nation’s democratic aspirations and the legacy of its hard-earned independence.

Bangladesh’s historical trajectory is marked by struggle and perseverance. The region's distinct identity emerged during the Mughal era, evolving through nearly 200 years of British colonial rule, which imposed economic exploitation and fostered resistance. The partition of Bengal in 1905, aimed at administrative efficiency, was met with fierce opposition, leading to its annulment in 1911. However, in 1947, Bengal faced a second partition with mass support that placed least developed East Bengal within Pakistan. And the stage was set for decades of political and economic subjugation.

The subsequent decades saw relentless movements for cultural, linguistic, and political autonomy, culminating in the Liberation War of 1971, a defining moment of sacrifice and sovereignty. This historic struggle cemented Bangladesh’s identity as a nation forged through bloodshed and resilience—a legacy that cannot be rewritten for political convenience.

Under the Awami League regime, Bangladesh’s administrative machinery was systematically politicized. The bureaucracy, police, and security forces no longer operated as neutral state institutions but as instruments of political control. Opposition voices were systematically silenced through legal harassment, enforced disappearances, and media restrictions. Even the judiciary, once a pillar of democratic accountability, appeared constrained by partisan influence.

Reversing this institutional decay demands structural reforms that restore meritocracy, depoliticize security forces, and reestablish the judiciary’s independence. Without these changes democratic renewal risks being cosmetic, rather than transformative.

One of the most insidious aspects of authoritarian rule has been the deliberate rewriting of history in school textbooks. The narratives taught to young minds have been altered to glorify the ruling party while erasing or distorting the contributions of not only opposition figures but also the country’s historical transformation. These revisions disregard the historical continuum—from Bengal’s distinct identity under the Mughals to the Liberation War—in favor of politically expedient narratives.

Restoring historical integrity requires a commitment to truth and inclusivity. Bangladesh’s rich history of struggle, sacrifice, and resilience must be preserved in its entirety, free from political distortions. Scholars, educators, and civil society must reclaim historical narratives that reflect the nation’s true democratic aspirations.

Bangladesh’s political trajectory has also been shaped by foreign powers whose interests often conflict with the country’s democratic aspirations. Certain international actors have supported authoritarian stability over democratic uncertainty, prioritizing economic and strategic interests over the will of the Bangladeshi people. This external influence complicates the path to democratic renewal, as geopolitical considerations often override domestic calls for reform.

Navigating this challenge requires diplomatic assertiveness that upholds Bangladesh’s sovereignty while engaging constructively with global partners. The nation must demand respect for its democratic aspirations rather than accept external endorsements of authoritarian rule.

The transition from authoritarianism to democracy will be fraught with resistance. The ruling elite will not relinquish power willingly, and entrenched institutions will resist reform. However, Bangladesh’s legacy of resilience—spanning colonial rule, military dictatorship, and political upheaval—demonstrates the people's capacity to reclaim their rights.

The struggle for democratic renewal must be driven by a collective commitment to justice, transparency, and inclusivity. Civil society, opposition forces, and ordinary citizens must unite to demand institutional reforms, historical truth, and an end to political suppression. Only through sustained pressure and unwavering determination can Bangladesh reclaim its democratic future.