Introduction: Democracy is the best system of government having worldwide popularity. The word, ‘democracy’· has been derived from Greek words, ‘Demos’ and ‘Kratie’. ‘Demos’ means people and ‘Kratia’ means a rule of administration. In this sense, democracy is the rule of people. Abraham Lincoln defines it as the government of the people, by the people and for the people. It signifies that public opinion is highly recognized in democracy.
Democracy and Bangladesh: Since her emergence in 1971, Bangladesh is continuously struggling to make herself a democratically developed nation. But several political ups and downs like introduction of one-party system by Shiekh Mujibur Rahma. Military rule by Zia and Ershad and irresponsible competition of political parties to capture power have placed the democratic journey of the country at stake. However, the nation has restarted her journey to democracy with over through of Ershad in 1990 but the path is not moisturized still now.
Problems: The absence of democratic political culture, absence of the rule, of law, lack of political morality, absence of a strong civil society, absence of strong political leadership, confrontational politics, ineffective
political institutions, corruption and terrorism, double standard and lack of tolerance and reciprocity are the most
notable and troublesome problems on the way to establish democracy in Bangladesh.
Prospects: In spite of numerous problems. We can see the following prospects of democracy in Bangladesh.
(1) March toward a two-party system: Though there are many political parties in Banglaclesh, the result of the recent election leads to the formation of a two-party system.
(2) Provision for caretaker government: In spite of some criticislll, people believe that the caretaker government is able to hold free and fair elections. It increases nation’s confidence in election and polttics.
(3) People’s eageress for democracy: The presence of voters in polling centres and their enthusiasm about politics and election prove that people are eager for democracy.
(4) Peaceful transition of power: After completion of five years term, the·elected government transfers power to a non-political government and after a free and fair election, the,caretaker government transfers power to the elected government. Tpis process is a positive side of democratic development in our country.
What should be done:
1. Our politicians should feel that it is their responsibility to build up the nation· and respect people’s wills.
2. Both the government and the opposition should work under democratic norms, and values stead of confrontation and egoism.
3. Our parliament should, be made the centre of all political activities.
4. Consensus among politial parties on national issue is necessary.
5. Our politicians will work in co-operation wtth each other and play a positive role.
6. Our politicians must give up their egoism and reahze that national interest is more than that of personaal, group or party interest
Conclusion: In fine, efforts should be made to make our people politically conscious of democratic norms, values, and practices. Our media, civil society, and socio-political organizations and institutions should play a significant role in this regard.
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