An Analysis of Bangladesh’s Position in the Democracy Index 2024

The EIU’s recent Democracy Index places Bangladesh at 100th out of 167 countries, reflecting a significant decline and challenges in democratic governance. Norway tops the index, and Bangladesh’s status highlights its position in the hybrid regime category. The index’s reliability is debated, yet it serves as a crucial indicator of the nation’s democratic health amid pressing reform needs.

The recent Democracy Index published by the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) ranks Bangladesh at 100th out of 167 nations, marking a significant decline. This places Bangladesh below India (ranked 41st) but above Pakistan (ranked 124th), indicating notable challenges in its democratic practices. Bangladesh shares this position with Benin, outlining a struggle within global democracies.

According to the Democracy Index, Norway ranks first, with nine of the ten highest positions occupied by European nations; New Zealand is the lone exception. Bangladesh’s precipitous drop from 73rd in 2023 to its current rank underscores an urgent need for democratic reform, especially when compared with nations experiencing high human development yet low democracy scores, such as South Korea and Qatar.

The value of democracy is echoed throughout history; it not only upholds human rights but also supports economic growth and equity. The necessity of democracy is illustrated by the absence of famines in democratic nations. This body of thought raises questions about the significance and reliability of the Democracy Index as a measurement of democratic quality and as an instrument that promotes competition among countries.

While the Democracy Index offers insights, it should be viewed critically due to its composite nature and subjective dimensions. Assessing factors such as electoral process, government functioning, and citizens’ freedoms reveals the limitations in its ability to accurately depict a nation’s democratic status, particularly in the context of Bangladesh where allegations of restricted freedoms and governmental pressure persist.

Bangladesh has consistently been classified in the categories of flawed democracy and hybrid regime between 2006 and 2024, signifying challenges including restricted elections and pressure on opposition parties. The interim government’s dual focus on expediting elections while instituting reforms indicates a complex political landscape, potentially hindering both democratic progress and electoral integrity in the near future.

The Democracy Index reveals critical insights into the state of democracy in Bangladesh, highlighting a significant decline in its ranking and the ongoing struggles within its political framework. While this index is a valuable tool for assessing democratic health, it must be interpreted with caution amidst the broader context of governance challenges faced by the country. The dual pressures faced by the interim government may complicate the urgent need for reform, ultimately affecting the nation’s democratic trajectory.

Original Source: www.thedailystar.net