Bangladesh’s Journey Toward Transformation

Dr Shafiqur Rahman, PhD: Bangladesh stands at a pivotal juncture in its history, confronting enduring political, governance, and institutional challenges that have persisted since its independence in 1971. At the helm of this transformative period is Professor Muhammad Yunus, a visionary leader whose contributions to democracy, equality, justice, and tolerance extend well beyond his renowned work in microcredit. His current reform initiatives hold the potential to become one of the most significant legacies of his leadership.

A History of Missed Opportunities

Bangladesh’s trajectory toward reform has been shaped by critical historical moments, yet many opportunities for substantive change have been missed. The first arose with the country’s independence in 1971, which presented an unprecedented opportunity to establish a democratic and equitable state. A second opportunity emerged in 1990 following the fall of General HM Ershad, when democracy was restored through a mass uprising. However, in both instances, the momentum for sustained reform initiatives failed to materialise.

Students have historically played a pivotal role in driving change in Bangladesh. Student activism has been a catalyst for progress from the 1952 Language Movement to the Liberation War of 1971 and the anti-Ershad movement of the 1990s. The student-led protests of mid-2024 have reignited hopes of building a nation that honours the aspirations of those who sacrificed their lives for independence.

Reform Commissions: A Strategic Turning Point

The establishment of reform commissions, rather than rushing into elections after Sheikh Hasina’s government stepped down, is widely considered a historic decision. These commissions have addressed critical areas, including constitutional amendments, electoral processes, police reform, and strengthening the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

While the commissions have been commended for their efficiency and dedication, criticism has been levelled at the underrepresentation of women among their members. Nonetheless, the recommendations within a strict timeline represent a significant step forward.

Key Recommendations for Reform

Among the transformative proposals from the Constitution Reform Commission are:

• Bicameral Parliament: To enhance representation and foster more robust debates.
• Prime Ministerial Term Limits: Restricting tenure to two terms to prevent the consolidation of power.
• National Constitutional Council: Ensuring impartiality in key appointments.
• Caretaker Government System: Reintroducing an independent body to oversee elections.

While ambitious, some recommendations—such as holding elections every four years—may pose logistical and financial challenges for a developing nation like Bangladesh. Frequent elections could strain resources and impede the implementation of long-term policies.

Police reform has emerged as a particularly urgent priority. Reports by the International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) and the Tech Global Institute (TGI) highlight systemic issues within the police force, including brutality and corruption. Addressing these issues will require extensive retraining and a cultural shift within the institution.

Building Consensus: A National Imperative

The success of these reforms depends on inclusive and open national debates. Discussions must transcend political divisions involving diverse stakeholders, including political parties, think tanks, minority groups, and human rights organisations. Media platforms also play a vital role in shaping public discourse and disseminating information.

Since restoring democracy in 1991, governance in Bangladesh has alternated between the Awami League (AL) and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Both parties have prioritised partisan agendas over national interests, leading to a weakened parliamentary system characterised by walkouts and boycotts. Therefore, reforming political culture and party dynamics is critical to achieving meaningful progress.

Overcoming Political Dysfunction

Parliament in Bangladesh has often served as a platform for advancing the ruling party’s interests, with opposition voices marginalised. The frequent use of hartals (strikes) has further exacerbated public frustration and economic losses. Overcoming these challenges requires a commitment to dialogue, compromise, and accountability from all political actors.

Professor Yunus’s initiative to establish a consensus commission is a commendable step towards fostering collaboration. Achieving sustainable reform will require political parties to commit to implementing agreed-upon changes and to institutionalize these reforms through constitutional amendments.

A Vision for the Future

Bangladesh’s reform agenda presents a unique opportunity to address decades of systemic challenges. While the reform commissions’ recommendations provide a strong foundation, their success will depend on sustained effort, inclusivity, and transparency.

Transforming deeply entrenched institutional and cultural practices will be a formidable task. From overhauling the police force to fostering parliamentary cooperation, each reform comes with its challenges. Yet, with collective determination and a focus on national interests, Bangladesh can overcome past setbacks and realise the promises of its Liberation War.

The contributions of leaders like Professor Yunus, coupled with the resurgence of student activism and increased engagement from civil society, have ushered in a new era of hope. By embracing this critical moment, Bangladesh can forge a path toward a future characterised by democracy, justice, and equality—a vision long cherished by its people.

Author profile:Dr Shafiqur Rahman (PhD) is a Professor and Head of the Department of Business Administration at the International Open University in The Gambia, operating remotely from Australia. He earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Dhaka University, his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Macquarie University, and a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Universiti Malaysia Perlis.

Dr Rahman has extensive professional experience, having held various senior positions at the US Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh, including Economic Specialist. His notable academic contributions include co-authoring the seminal work Essentials of Modern Marketing with renowned marketing expert Philip Kotler. He has published 33 research papers, authored or contributed to 11 books and book chapters, and delivered 43 research presentations.

Dr Rahman has played a significant role in academic leadership, coordinating 32 international conferences, mentoring eight doctoral and master’s students, and serving on multiple editorial boards. His achievements include two best paper awards, four professional excellence awards, 1,042 citations on Google Scholar, and securing AUD 27,000 in research grants.

In addition to his academic roles, Dr Rahman is the Vice-President of the Australian Academy of Business Leadership and the Chief Executive Officer of Dreamers Academy Australia. His career exemplifies a commitment to academic excellence, research, and professional development.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, PhD

Professor, International Open University