In summary, the repeated coups in Bangladesh reflect a combination of political instability, weak institutions, economic and social challenges, and historical patterns of military involvement. These factors collectively contribute to the ongoing challenges in Bangladesh’s democratic governance and stability.

New Delhi (ABC Live): On August 5, 2024, Bangladesh was thrust into turmoil as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned amid escalating protests and sought temporary asylum in India. This coup marks the 29th military intervention in Bangladesh’s 53-year history.

The ABC geopolitical team, examining the pattern of 29 coups over more than five decades, reports that several interconnected factors have contributed to this frequent instability:

Key Factors Behind Bangladesh’s Frequent Coups

1.      Political Instability and Frequent Government Changes: Bangladesh has faced continuous political turbulence, marked by frequent government changes resulting from contentious elections and political crises. This instability undermines democratic institutions and fosters a perception that military intervention is a viable solution.

2.      Corruption and Lack of Accountability: Corruption pervades various government levels, from the executive to the judiciary. This corruption undermines public trust, impedes effective governance, and leads to resource misallocation and poor public service delivery.

3.      Weak Rule of Law: Political influence and corruption often compromise the rule of law in Bangladesh. The judiciary's lack of independence and the manipulation of legal processes erode the legal framework necessary for a robust democracy.

4.      Electoral Manipulation and Violence: Electoral processes in Bangladesh are frequently marred by allegations of manipulation, fraud, and violence. These issues undermine the credibility of elections and democratic governance.

5.      Limited Political Pluralism: Dominance by a few major parties and suppression of smaller or opposition parties restrict political pluralism. This limits the effectiveness of democratic debate and narrows policy discussions.

6.      Concentration of Power: The centralization of power within a few individuals or institutions diminishes democratic checks and balances. The dominance of major political parties often leads to reduced oversight and accountability.

7.      Media Censorship and Freedom of Expression: Restrictions on media freedom and expression limit public access to information and the ability to hold leaders accountable. Censorship and suppression of dissent hinder a free press’s role in democracy.

8.      Weak Civil Society and Advocacy: Civil society organizations, crucial for holding governments accountable and advocating for reforms, face challenges such as activity restrictions, harassment, and limited resources, weakening their impact.

9.      Lack of Institutional Capacity: Many democratic institutions suffer from inadequate resources, training, and capacity, affecting their ability to uphold democratic norms and standards.

10.  Political Violence and Intimidation: Political violence and intimidation are prevalent, with both ruling and opposition parties resorting to violence. This creates an environment of fear that undermines democratic processes and discourages active participation.

Historical Context

·         Historical Influences: Bangladesh’s colonial past and its position in South Asia have shaped the spread of Islamic fundamentalist ideologies, influenced by Pakistani and Middle Eastern sources.

·         Liberation War Legacy: The 1971 Liberation War left a complex legacy, with wartime collaboration with Pakistani forces influencing post-independence politics and social dynamics.

Rise of Islamist Extremism

·         Islamist Groups: Groups like Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefazat-e-Islam, and Ansarullah Bangla Team have emerged, advocating for strict Islamic law and engaging in violent activities.

·         Radicalization: Radicalization is driven by political grievances, socio-economic disenfranchisement, and external influences from global jihadist movements.

Political Dynamics

·         Political Alliances: Islamist parties have formed alliances with major political groups, leading to tensions and conflicts within the political landscape.

·         State Responses: The government has alternated between engaging politically with Islamist groups and cracking down on extremist activities through military operations and legal measures.

Socio-Economic Factors

·         Socio-Economic Disparities: Economic challenges and social inequalities contribute to the appeal of fundamentalist ideologies, providing fertile ground for recruitment and radicalization.

·         Educational Influence: Some madrasas are accused of promoting extremist ideologies, with parts of the education system contributing to the spread of fundamentalist views.

Security Concerns

·         Terrorist Attacks: High-profile attacks by Islamist extremists, targeting secular bloggers, religious minorities, and foreigners, raise concerns about the influence of extremist ideologies.

·         Security Measures: The government has implemented various measures to combat terrorism and extremism, including crackdowns and increased surveillance, though challenges persist.

International and Regional Influence

·         Regional Dynamics: Neighboring countries and regional geopolitical dynamics influence the spread of fundamentalism and contribute to radicalization.

·         Global Jihadist Movements: The global rise of jihadist movements and international extremist ideologies have impacted Bangladesh, with online propaganda and global networks playing a role in radicalization.

Counter-Radicalization Efforts

·         Government Initiatives: Efforts include counter-terrorism operations, deradicalization programs, and promotion of moderate Islamic teachings.

·         Civil Society and Media: Civil society organizations and media play crucial roles in countering extremism by promoting dialogue, addressing socio-economic grievances, and advocating for a more inclusive society.

In summary, the repeated coups in Bangladesh reflect a combination of political instability, weak institutions, economic and social challenges, and historical patterns of military involvement. These factors collectively contribute to the ongoing challenges in Bangladesh’s democratic governance and stability.