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Bangladesh Must Overhaul Political System to End Dynastic Rule

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  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. rhaul-political-system-to-end-dynastic-rule.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, December 16th 2025 at 14:34 GMT by The Daily Star

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New System Must Replace Old Political Order: A Call for Reform in Bangladesh
(Summary of The Daily Star article, 13 Dec 2023)

The Daily Star’s editorial “New system must replace old political order” (https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/new-system-must-replace-old-political-order-4060181) argues that Bangladesh’s entrenched political culture—characterised by dynastic politics, patronage networks, and a fragmented parliamentary system—has become an impediment to effective governance and democratic consolidation. The piece synthesises recent scholarly research, expert testimony, and historical analysis to outline a comprehensive reform agenda that would modernise the country’s political institutions.

1. The Legacy of the “Old Political Order”

The editorial opens with a brief historical recap: after gaining independence in 1971, Bangladesh inherited a highly centralized state apparatus and a parliamentary system that has since been repeatedly reshaped by constitutional amendments. The author notes that the 1972 constitution established a unicameral legislature and a strong presidential system, but subsequent shifts—especially the 1991 shift to a parliamentary model—failed to break the cycle of party dominance and elite control. The article points out that political parties have historically functioned as vehicles for personal ambition rather than ideological representation. The “old political order” is described as a system where political capital is largely inherited, where patronage dictates policy, and where electoral contests are often more about personal reach than public service.

A key supporting reference is a 2022 study by the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) that highlights the persistence of “clientelistic linkages” across the country’s major parties. The BIDS report also links such linkages to high rates of corruption and low public trust in political institutions.

2. Symptoms of a Systemic Breakdown

The piece outlines several contemporary symptoms that evidence the system’s shortcomings:

1. Electoral Manipulation and Voter Suppression – The article cites incidents from the 2023 national elections where opposition parties reported irregularities, including ballot stuffing and coercion of voters. An interview with a former election commissioner underscores the inadequacy of the existing oversight mechanisms.

2. Weak Accountability Mechanisms – Parliamentary committees are portrayed as largely symbolic, with little real power to investigate or sanction ministers. The article quotes a former parliamentary secretary who explains that the committee process is often stalled by party interference.

3. Entrenched Dynastic Politics – The piece lists several prominent political families that have dominated Bangladeshi politics over four decades, noting that these dynasties frequently pass seats to relatives, thereby stifling political mobility and discouraging merit-based leadership.

4. Policy Paralysis and Inefficiency – The author argues that the combination of patronage and lack of accountability results in frequent policy reversals, misallocation of resources, and delayed public services. The article references a World Bank report that links governance inefficiencies to reduced foreign investment.

3. Proposed Reforms: A New System

The editorial presents a multi‑pronged reform agenda, drawing on best practices from comparable emerging democracies and the experiences of post‑Soviet states that have re‑imagined their political orders.

a. Constitutional Revision and Institutional Redesign

• A Federal or Decentralised Parliamentary Structure – The author suggests reintroducing a federal framework that would grant greater autonomy to provincial assemblies, thereby diluting the concentration of power in the capital. This proposal is informed by comparative studies of federalism in India and Pakistan, both of which the article cites to illustrate how decentralisation can curb elite domination.

• Term Limits for Executive and Legislative Bodies – To curb dynastic succession, the article advocates instituting mandatory term limits for prime ministers and cabinet ministers. The piece points to Mexico’s 2014 constitutional amendment as an example of how such limits can create a healthier political environment.

b. Electoral and Party Reform

• Independent Electoral Commission – The article stresses the need for a truly independent election commission that is insulated from political influence. A reference is made to the re‑formed Election Commission of South Korea, which successfully separated its appointment process from partisan control.

• Public Financing of Campaigns – The editorial recommends a public financing system to level the playing field between well‑connected elites and emerging political actors. The author cites the United States’ federal campaign finance laws as a model.

c. Strengthening Accountability

• Parliamentary Oversight Committees with Enforced Powers – The piece calls for committees that can subpoena witnesses, access documents, and impose sanctions. It notes that the European Union’s “Committee of the Regions” offers a useful template for empowering sub‑national oversight.

• Anti‑Corruption Agencies with Judicial Independence – The editorial underlines the necessity of a high‑court‑backed anti‑corruption body that can act without political pressure. A comparison is drawn with the anti‑corruption agency in Ghana, which has seen success following reforms in the early 2000s.

d. Civil Society and Public Engagement

• Citizen Participation Platforms – The article highlights the potential of e‑governance portals that allow citizens to monitor public spending and propose legislative amendments. It refers to a 2021 case study from Estonia, where digital participation has led to higher public trust in government.

• Political Education and Media Freedom – A robust civil society is deemed essential. The editorial stresses expanding independent media and civic education programs that teach democratic values and critical citizenship.

4. Potential Challenges and Counterarguments

The author does not shy away from acknowledging obstacles. A key challenge is resistance from entrenched elites who fear loss of power and wealth. The piece argues that incremental reforms—such as strengthening anti‑corruption laws—can gradually erode the institutionalized privileges of the old order. Additionally, the article contends that public apathy may hinder reform momentum, hence the need for sustained civic engagement campaigns.

5. Conclusion: A Path Forward

The Daily Star editorial concludes that Bangladesh’s survival as a democratic nation hinges on abandoning the “old political order” and embracing a system that prioritises accountability, merit, and decentralised power. It calls upon parliamentarians, civil society, and the electorate to collaborate on constitutional amendments, electoral reforms, and the establishment of independent oversight bodies. By learning from global precedents and local realities alike, the article posits that Bangladesh can forge a new, resilient political framework that ensures lasting prosperity and genuine representation.

Follow‑up Links and Contextual Resources

1. Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) Report (2022) – Provides empirical data on clientelism and political dynasties.
2. World Bank Governance Indicators – Bangladesh – Offers insights into corruption and institutional quality.
3. Case Study: Federalism in India – Illustrates decentralised governance models.
4. South Korean Electoral Commission Reform – Highlights successful steps to independent election oversight.
5. Estonia’s Digital Democracy Platform – Demonstrates the role of technology in civic engagement.

These sources enrich the editorial’s narrative by offering both quantitative evidence and practical examples of reforms that could inform Bangladesh’s future political trajectory.