The period from 2009 to 2024 in Bangladesh has been a tumultuous journey marked by significant challenges. Bangladesh, a nation born out of a struggle for independence and democratic ideals, has grappled with political instability, polarisation, and erosion of democratic norms during this time frame. As the country sought to navigate its democratic path, it encountered obstacles that tested the resilience of its institutions and the aspirations of its people.

Against the backdrop of historical political rivalries and socio-economic complexities, this period witnessed pivotal moments that shaped Bangladesh’s democratic landscape. From contentious general elections to allegations of electoral malpractice, from crackdowns on political dissent to concerns about judicial independence, the challenges to democracy in Bangladesh have been multifaceted and deeply entrenched.
Bangladesh has had a strained relationship with democracy ever since gaining its independence. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation’s founder, toyed with the idea of a one-party state until his family was ruthlessly assassinated in a military coup in 1975. The only surviving members of the family were Sheikh Hasina and her sister, who were at the time travelling through Europe.
His passing set off a protracted chain of coups, countercoups, and attempts by Ziaur Rahman and General H. M. Ershad to establish military authority in the nation. After 16 years of turbulent politics in the nation, democracy was “restored” in 1991, when a large-scale uprising forced the then-dictator Ershad to resign.
However, since 1991, the opposition has complained about unfair competition at every election. In Bangladesh, election-day violence and opposition repression have always been part of the electoral process, regardless of the incumbent party. The last three elections conducted under the present Awami League government were also subject to the same apparent cardinal norm.

The results of Bangladesh’s 12th parliamentary election were long anticipated and expected. Since the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), withdrew from the election, there was always an opportunity for Sheikh Hasina, the prime minister in place since January 2009, to consolidate her position of authority.
The 2024 election was clouded by a number of scandals, accusations, and violent incidents, despite appeals from observers for a free and fair election and despite the ruling government’s best efforts to create a joyful and celebratory atmosphere on election day.
Unsurprisingly, Hasina’s Awami League prevailed when all was said and done. And after winning a fourth straight noncompetitive race, the party appears determined to permanently crush all opposition and criticism.

I hope you remember that time when four major opposition parties, including the BNP, boycotted the 2014 general election, which was the first election held after the AL took office in 2009. As a result, 153 seats were uncontested, and over two dozen people were killed in violence on election day!

The two main political parties in Bangladesh, the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Khaleda Zia and the ruling Awami League led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, were becoming more and more divided, and this was reflected in the atmosphere surrounding the 2014 election. Frequent rallies, violent outbursts, and strikes characterised the political scene, reflecting the intense competition between the two parties.

There was a lot of violence and oppression by the government against opposition parties and activists in the run-up to the 2014 election. It was alleged that the ruling Awami League was stifling dissent and limiting opposition activity by means of state apparatus. There was a culture of fear and insecurity as a result of harassment, arrests, and intimidation directed at opposition leaders and supporters.
The BNP and its allies chose to abstain from the 2014 election due to concerns over the impartiality of the electoral process. Citing incidents of intimidation, manipulation, and anomalies, they said that the administration had failed to create a climate that would allow for free and fair elections. The opposition parties’ boycott threw doubt on the election’s validity and called into question the democratic process’s inclusivity.
A major controversy that surrounded the 2014 election was the vast majority of parliamentary seats that the ruling Awami League candidates won without opposition. There was no real electoral competition for nearly half of the MPs, which raises questions about the outcome’s democratic legitimacy and lack of actual competitiveness. This phenomenon brought attention to the unequal playing field and the difficulties opposition parties have when running for office.

Human rights organisations, foreign governments, and international observers all criticised the way the 2014 general election was conducted. Concerns over the fairness and transparency of the election process were voiced by the US, the EU, and other interested parties. They demanded the preservation of political liberties and rights in Bangladesh, as well as inclusive discourse and adherence to democratic ideals.
Political differences grew as a result of the contentious 2014 election, which also reduced popular confidence in democratic institutions. It brought to light structural problems with the electoral system, including problems with voter intimidation, anomalies in voter registration, and restrictions on political engagement. The election’s aftermath highlighted the necessity of thorough electoral reforms as well as initiatives to deal with the underlying issues that contribute to Bangladesh’s political polarisation and instability.
After that, there were rumours of a pre-election crackdown on opposition parties and activists in the run-up to the 2018 general lection. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ruling Awami League administration came under fire for using harsh measures to quell dissent and restrict the actions of opposition groups. A climate of dread and uncertainty was fostered by the arrests, harassment, and intimidation of opposition leaders and sympathisers.
The decision to permit voting to continue into the late evening and even midnight in certain polling places was one of the most divisive parts of the 2018 election. The electoral process’s transparency and integrity were called into question due to the deviation from conventional voting processes, which presented the potential for errors and manipulation. Opponents contended that the election’s result may have been unjustly influenced by taking advantage of the extended voting hours.

The 2018 general election in Bangladesh also garnered noteworthy attention from global media outlets, showcasing accusations of electoral irregularities and apprehensions over the impartiality of the vote. Citing instances of voter intimidation, problems in voter registration, and restrictions on political freedoms, human rights organisations and international observers cast doubt on the legitimacy and transparency of the electoral process. The legitimacy of the election outcome was further questioned in light of reports of violence and coercion.
Under the direction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Awami League won a resounding victory and a sizable majority of parliamentary seats in the 2018 general election. There were doubts about the degree of real political competition and the impartiality of the voting process due to the ruling party’s overwhelming dominance. Opponents contended that the Awami League’s electoral success might have been influenced by the state apparatus, restrictions on opposition activities, and the unequal distribution of resources.
The 2018 General Election brought to light the difficulties Bangladesh’s democracy faces and generated grave concerns about the legitimacy and integrity of the voting process. The suppression of opposition parties prior to the election, the midnight poll, and the international examination of the results of the election brought to light structural flaws and shortfalls in Bangladesh’s democratic administration. More than ever, election reforms, accountability, and transparency were required to preserve democratic values and guarantee that every citizen’s political rights and freedoms were protected.
A record 288 out of 300 seats were gained by the AL in the 2018 general election, which many observers and rights groups referred to as a “sham election.” Since the first electronic voting machines were used, there have been allegations and reports of vote tampering and intimidation of voters by ruling party officials.

For this year’s election, the administration stepped up its crackdown on opposition parties and activists ahead of the 2024 general election. Authorities used a variety of strategies to quell dissent and hinder opposition groups’ capacity to garner support, including arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and harassment. It was extremely difficult for opposition leaders and followers to plan protests, run campaigns, and express their political views.

To put an end to protests and gatherings by opposition parties, the administration deployed a large number of police personnel. Large-scale security measures were put in place to stop opposition leaders and followers from getting together and voicing their political opinions. There have been reports of the overuse of force to disperse gatherings and silence critics, including the deployment of tear gas, baton charges, and arrests.
Leaders and activists of opposition parties are said to have been targeted via manipulation or exploitation of the judicial system. There have been allegations of severe punishments, biassed trials, and politically motivated arrests of opposition party members. The public’s confidence in the judiciary’s independence and impartiality was being undermined by the perception that the legal system was skewed and compromised.
In order to give the impression of political competition, “dummy candidates” who support the ruling party were used in the 2024 general election. These candidates were purposefully presented to give the appearance of a competitive election scene, despite their lack of true support or validity. Such strategies distorted the actual level of political support and misled voters, undermining the democratic process.
In the 2024 election, there was a noticeably low voter turnout nationwide, despite efforts to mobilise people. Political repression and intimidation intensified the electorate’s disenchantment, disillusionment, and dread, which in turn led to indifference and disengagement from the democratic process. A low turnout severely damaged the legitimacy and credibility of the election results, casting doubt on the elected government’s authority.
The 2024 general election in Bangladesh reflects a troubling pattern of political oppression, electoral malpractice, and democratic backsliding. The outcome of the election raises serious questions about the legitimacy of the government and underscores the urgent need for reforms to safeguard democratic principles and promote inclusive and transparent electoral processes.
Bangladesh’s democracy faced serious hurdles as a result of pre-election crackdowns, police repression, judicial manipulation, phantom candidates, phoney competition, and poor turnout. Many people believed that the election result lacked legitimacy and revealed structural problems with the democratic process. The public’s unhappiness and irritation were exacerbated by the deterioration of democratic norms and institutions, which further compromised the legitimacy of the electoral process.

Despite this political mess and the instability and crises surrounding the world economy, Bangladesh has had tremendous economic growth and envied social progress throughout the Awami League’s 15-year leadership, which ran from 2009 to 2024. As per the World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects report, the country is expected to have the sixth-highest GDP growth in Asia in the fiscal year 2024. Bangladesh’s per capita income continues to surpass that of neighbouring economic powerhouse India in 2022, and the country is also scheduled to leave the UN’s list of least developed countries (LDC) in 2026.
All these remarkable growth achievements, however, are based on the rapacious accumulation of money by a small number of dishonest party members and a coalition of oligarchs, the absence of information openness and press freedom, and the pervasive suppression of any opposition or voice of criticism.
According to estimates published since August 2023, over 100,000 BNP workers have been sued on various counts, and at least 27,000 BNP workers have been imprisoned.
At least 200 journalists had been charged with breaking the now-scrapped Digital Security Act (DSA) at the same time. The DSA is infamous for being used to silence dissenting voices, according to human rights watchdogs, despite the government’s repeated claims that it is a necessary law to safeguard cyberspace.
The Awami League went to great lengths to pass off the 2024 election as a participatory one in order to make it appear free and fair in the face of mounting pressure from Western friends, observers, and watchdogs.
We delve into the dynamics and complexities of Bangladesh’s democratic journey from 2009 to 2024. We examine key events, trends, and transformations that have defined the country’s political trajectory, shedding light on the struggles, achievements, and aspirations that have shaped its democratic evolution. Through this analysis, we aim to understand the underlying factors driving the challenges to democracy in Bangladesh and explore potential pathways towards strengthening democratic governance and upholding the principles of freedom, justice, and equality for all Bangladeshis.
Bangladesh is important. It consistently participates in exercises alongside the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and is the biggest single contributor of U.N. peacekeepers. Businesses and artistic groups in Asia, Europe, and the Americas rely heavily on its dynamic diaspora. The United States is the primary market for Bangladeshi exports and the largest source of foreign direct investment. Hasina has additionally shown herself to be valuable to the West as one of the few leaders of the developing world to denounce Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, notwithstanding her tardiness in doing so. She has taken in around one million Rohingya refugees from neighbouring Myanmar.
The population of Bangladesh is estimated to be 180 million. There are about 50 million people in the population between the ages of 15 and 29. In light of this, it is unclear if Bangladesh is in a position to profit from the “demographic dividend,” which is anticipated to last until about 2040.
The term “demographic dividend” describes economic development that arises from a shift in the population’s age distribution, usually due to a decrease in the birth and death rates of a nation. The working-age population grows as a result, raising per capita income—as long as certain requirements are satisfied, that is.
However, Bangladesh’s slide into dictatorship worries Washington. The United States announced in May that it would no longer grant visas to any Bangladeshi undermining elections, and Hasina was not invited to the last two Summit for Democracy events. In response, Hasina informed the house that by orchestrating her removal, the US was “trying to eliminate democracy.” Peter D. Haas, the US ambassador to Bangladesh, responds that Washington is “scrupulous about not picking sides” when questioned about her accusation.
The harshness of US official policy, however, is telling at a time when the US is determined to resist China’s expanding regional influence at any cost. Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Centre, claims that Bangladesh appears to have become a test case for the United States’ foreign policy of promoting democracy.
The harshness of US official policy is striking at a time when the US is keen to resist China’s expanding regional footprint at every opportunity. Bangladesh appears to have become a test case for the United States’ foreign policy of promoting democracy, according to Michael Kugelman, director of the Wilson Centre’s South Asia Institute. “The biggest risk is that the government will double down and take all necessary measures to maintain its hold on power as a result of all this pressure backfiring.”
The trajectory of elections in Bangladesh from 2009 to 2024 reveals a troubling pattern of democratic erosion and political oppression. Each election during this period has been marred by controversies, violence, and allegations of electoral malpractice, highlighting significant challenges to the country’s democratic governance.
From The 2014 general election saw a boycott by the opposition, widespread violence, and concerns about the legitimacy of the electoral process. In 2018, there were reports of pre-election crackdowns on opposition parties, irregularities during voting, and international criticism of the fairness of the election.

Again The 2024 General Election continues this trend with pre-election crackdowns, extensive use of police force to suppress opposition rallies, manipulation of the judiciary system against opposition leaders, the presence of dummy candidates, and low voter turnout.
Throughout these elections, the ruling party’s dominance and the marginalisation of opposition voices have raised serious doubts about the credibility and integrity of the electoral process. The erosion of democratic norms, including restrictions on political freedoms and the politicisation of state institutions, has weakened the foundations of democracy in Bangladesh every day!
The international community has consistently expressed concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in Bangladesh, calling for greater respect for fundamental freedoms and transparent electoral practices.
Moving forward, addressing the systemic challenges facing Bangladesh’s democratic governance will require concerted efforts to uphold the rule of law, protect civil liberties, and ensure the integrity and inclusivity of electoral processes. Reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, promoting dialogue between political actors, and fostering a culture of accountability are essential to safeguarding the principles of democracy and advancing the interests of the Bangladeshi people.
In office since 2009, Sheikh Hasina, the world’s longest-serving female head of government, faces criticism for an authoritarian turn in Bangladesh. Credited with subduing Islamists and the military, she has weathered 19 assassination attempts. Recent clashes between her party, the Awami League, and the opposition BNP led to arrests, violence, and deaths. The BNP, which has boycotted elections since 2014, demands a caretaker government. Previous polls faced condemnation for irregularities. Khaleda Zia, BNP leader, is under house arrest, and critics view the upcoming election as a coronation, labelling Hasina as a dictator. Allegations of state control over institutions persist.

And this is how the slow and painful death of democracy is happening a little every day in our country, and no one is able to help from the drowning.