The 2024 Democracy Index places Bangladesh at 100th out of 167 nations, a decline of 25 spots due to a combination of political unrest and election rigging. This dip highlights a troubling trend in global democracy, with autocracies gaining momentum. Joan Hoey of the EIU noted the struggle of democracies worldwide as grassroots movements rise amidst governmental suppression.
According to the 2024 Democracy Index released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Bangladesh experienced a significant decline, falling 25 places to rank 100th out of 167 countries. This drop situates Bangladesh closer to the lower end of the hybrid regime classification. The index indicates that the country’s score plummeted by 1.44 points on a scale of 0-10 due to a series of events including allegedly rigged elections, the ousting of its former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, and prevailing political unrest.
The 2024 index also highlights the decline of global democracy, noting the increasing strength of autocracies. Joan Hoey, the director of the Democracy Index, remarked, “The world’s democracies are struggling.” Besides Bangladesh, other countries in the index include India at 41st, Bhutan at 79th, Nepal at 96th, Pakistan at 124th, and Afghanistan lags behind at the bottom position, ranked 167th.
The Democracy Index evaluates five key factors: electoral process and pluralism, civil liberties, government functioning, political participation, and political culture. It classifies nations into categories such as full democracies, flawed democracies, hybrid regimes, and authoritarian regimes. Norway achieved the highest ranking this year, while Afghanistan recorded the lowest score.
In the context of the January 2024 elections in Bangladesh, concerns were raised regarding the ruling party’s alleged suppression of dissent, restriction of media freedom, and manipulation of electoral results. Despite these challenges, grassroots movements, notably those led by youth, emerged in response to growing disillusionment with established political entities. However, the protests leading to Sheikh Hasina’s ousting in August 2024 revealed underlying sectarian tensions, culminating in violence against minority groups.
The EIU asserts that the interim government, while under pressure to conduct elections, is currently prioritizing reforms aimed at restoring democratic institutions. Consequently, this focus on reform may result in a postponement of elections beyond the year 2025.
In summary, Bangladesh’s position in the 2024 Democracy Index reflects a troubling decline in its democratic standing, exacerbated by political unrest and allegations of election manipulation. The index illustrates a broader trend of weakened democracies worldwide, with various countries facing significant challenges. As Bangladesh navigates its political landscape, the need for institutional reforms remains paramount to restore democratic integrity.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
