The Democracy Index now ranks Bangladesh 100th out of 167 countries, indicating a significant decline in democratic standards. While it remains ahead of Pakistan, it is far behind India. Norway topped the index, with Bangladesh’s notable weaknesses in governmental functioning and citizens’ freedoms causing concern. The forthcoming elections implicate the need for reforms to restore democratic institutions.
The Economic Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Democracy Index reveals that Bangladesh now ranks 100th out of 167 countries, marking a significant decline in its democratic standing. This positioning places Bangladesh behind India (41st) but ahead of Pakistan (124th). Moreover, Bangladesh shares its ranking with Benin, a nation facing severe economic challenges, and highlights a broader trend of diminishing democratic quality worldwide.
Norway has claimed the top spot in this year’s Democracy Index, with nine of the top ten countries located in Europe, while New Zealand is the only exception, positioned second. In stark contrast, countries such as Pakistan and South Korea appear among the lowest performers in the ranking, illustrating a gap between human development and democratic practices. Despite previously ranking 73rd in 2023 and 75th in 2024, Bangladesh’s drop to 100th raises important questions about the correlation between human development indices and democratic governance.
While democracy is an imperfect system, it is esteemed for upholding human rights and fostering citizen engagement. Historical evidence suggests that democratic nations are less likely to experience severe famines, reinforcing the intrinsic value of democracy as a stabilizing force for equity and citizen autonomy. As democratic struggles continue worldwide, it becomes essential to evaluate the Democracy Index critically; while it serves as an indicator of democratic health, it should be approached with discernment due to its inherent limitations.
This assessment compiles various dimensions, including electoral processes and citizens’ liberties, yet these metrics can be subjective and influenced by data robustness. Notably, despite Bangladesh’s classification as a hybrid regime—a classification reflecting compromised electoral integrity and governmental accountability—there are indications of weaknesses in governance and civil liberties.
The disaggregated results of Bangladesh’s Democracy Index indicate the most pronounced deficiencies in government functionality and citizens’ freedoms, contradicting claims of effective electoral processes. Existing weaknesses remain pressing issues that the country must address amid ongoing reform processes intended to revive its democratic institutions.
As called for by the EIU, Bangladesh’s interim government faces a dual mandate: swiftly convening national elections while simultaneously instituting necessary reforms to uphold democratic principles. The tension between these objectives suggests potential delays in the forthcoming elections, which are critical for the nation’s political future.
In conclusion, the EIU’s Democracy Index underscores Bangladesh’s precarious position in global democracy rankings, revealing a troubling decline that invites scrutiny of its governance and civil liberties. Despite a strong performance in electoral processes, criticisms concerning government functionality and citizens’ freedoms persist. Addressing these shortcomings through meaningful reforms will be crucial as Bangladesh navigates its upcoming elections, highlighting the delicate balance between maintaining democratic integrity and implementing necessary changes.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
