Question

What are some of the commonalities and differences between Bangladesh and Pakistan in their democratic experiences?

Answer 1

Both Pakistan and Bangladesh have experienced military rule and democratically elected civilian governments. There are certain commonalities and differences with regard to their political experiences:

Common features:

a. Soon after Pakistan framed its own constitution, General Ayub Khan took over the administration and got himself elected as the President of Pakistan. Increased disillusionment among the masses paved the way for a military rule, with General Yahya Khan coming to power, which later resulted in the Bangladesh crisis. With a mixed record of military and civilian rule, Pakistan faced acute political instability. However, it was a landmark achievement for a democratically elected government in 2008 to complete its full term in Pakistan.
b. Similarly, Bangladesh, which became an independent country in 1971, has a mixed record with a long history of rift between democratic and undemocratic forces. Soon after its creation, Sheikh Mujibur Rehman established a presidential system of government and abolished all parties except for the Awami League, paving way for conflict and strife in the society. Mujibur Rehman was assassinated in a military uprising in August, 1975. Thereafter, a new military ruler, Ziaur Rahman, formed his own Bangladesh National Party and won elections in 1979 for again being overthrown by a military ruler and with democracy being restored in 1991.

Differences between the two countries regarding their political experiences are as follows:

a. In Pakistan there is a growing presence and intervention of military rulers, clergies and the aristocracy in politics.
b. In Bangladesh, there is dominance of political leaders and party members, which has resulted in frequent clashes and overthrowing of governments.
c. Pakistan’s conflict with India has increased the role of military in its politics. This, indeed, is not the case with Bangladesh, where we have witnessed the increasing role of pro-democracy groups.