The Democracy Index from the Economic Intelligence Unit ranks Bangladesh 100th out of 167 countries, reflecting a significant decline. While Norway leads the index, Bangladesh’s ranking indicates severe challenges in democratic governance, with low scores in crucial areas such as government functioning and citizens’ freedom. This highlights the urgent need for reforms in the nation’s political infrastructure.
The recently published Democracy Index by the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) shows that Bangladesh ranks 100th out of 167 countries and territories, reflecting a significant decline. Bangladesh’s position is notably lower than India’s (41st) but is higher than Pakistan’s (124th). The nation shares this ranking with Benin, which is characterized as one of Africa’s poorest countries. The overall findings suggest that democracies worldwide are encountering challenges.
Norway has emerged as the highest-ranked country in the Democracy Index, with nine European nations occupying the top ten positions, New Zealand being the sole exception. Bangladesh has experienced a dramatic fall from 73rd in 2023 to 100th this year. Notably, countries with strong Human Development Index (HDI) ratings, such as South Korea and Qatar, often have low Democracy Index rankings. This discrepancy indicates that substantial economic development does not necessarily correlate with democratic governance.
Democracy is a political system that, despite its imperfections, is recognized as the most effective available option. Its inherent value is akin to that of human rights, supporting the notion that democracy is beneficial regardless of its correlation with economic prosperity. Evidence suggests that democracies do not experience famines, highlighting the essential role of democratic governance in safeguarding individual rights and equity.
A pertinent consideration is the credibility of the Democracy Index itself. Although it serves as a useful indicator of a nation’s democratic environment, it is crucial to approach its findings critically. While the index promotes healthy competition among countries, its methodologies and statistical frameworks may not completely and accurately reflect the democratic realities they purport to assess.
The index comprises five dimensions: electoral process and pluralism, government functioning, political participation, political culture, and civil liberties. However, many of these dimensions are qualitative and subjective, which may limit their reliability and predictive value. Particularly, the Democracy Index’s inherent complexities and potential biases necessitate a careful examination of its conclusions.
Countries are classified into four categories based on the index: full democracies, flawed democracies, hybrid regimes, and authoritarian regimes. Bangladesh has historically struggled within these classifications, moving from flawed democracy in 2006 to a hybrid regime from 2008 onwards. In this classification, free and fair elections are often undermined, with oppression of opposition and limited independence of the judiciary.
This year’s results reveal that Bangladesh scored poorly in “government functioning” and “citizens’ freedom,” yet indicated relative strength in “electoral process and pluralism.” Such findings may be misleading and highlight the necessity for systemic reforms in governance, especially as the country prepares for impending elections amidst pressures for democratic institutional restoration.
In summary, the Democracy Index reveals a concerning descent for Bangladesh, reflecting broader struggles faced by democracies globally. While the index serves as a valuable tool for assessing democratic health, its limitations warrant cautious interpretation. With low scores in government functioning and citizens’ freedom, the need for comprehensive reform is pressing. As Bangladesh navigates its political landscape, prioritizing the restoration of democratic institutions alongside electoral processes will be critical for a stable future.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
