Speakers at a stakeholder dialogue on Saturday called for an inclusive roadmap to reform Bangladesh’s democratic institutions, warning that continued institutional decay threatens to undermine accountability, transparency, and civic trust.
The dialogue, titled “Democratic Transition and Institutional Erosion in Bangladesh: What’s the Way Forward?”, held at 4pm at the seminar room of the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB), was organized by the Dhaka Institute of Research and Analytics (Daira).
The discussion focused on the fragile state of Bangladesh’s institutions amidst an ongoing democratic transition. Against the backdrop of prolonged political instability, authoritarian governance, and institutional erosion, speakers highlighted the root causes and consequences of institutional fragility.
The dialogue also explored how weakened institutions have undermined accountability, judicial independence, and administrative neutrality.
The session began with a concept note presented by Dr Mushtaq H Khan, Professor of Economics at SOAS, University of London.
Dr Khan outlined how prolonged rule by the Awami League led to the erosion of democratic norms through authoritarianism, corruption, and the centralization of political and economic power.
He stressed that restoring democracy requires more than constitutional or legal reforms—it demands a redistribution of power.
He emphasized the importance of organizing emerging social forces such as student movements, young entrepreneurs, small businesses, and civil society into an inclusive framework capable of demanding and implementing policy changes.
Speakers reflected on key questions- What kind of political settlement is needed in post-uprising Bangladesh? How can new organizational strength be built in institutions that have historically failed to serve public interest?
Professor Dr Kazi Maruful Haque of the University of Dhaka spoke on the need for greater grassroots engagement in local government systems.
Faruk Wasif, director general of PIB, said: “If we truly wish to avoid further bloodshed, reforms are not optional—they are imperative. Without reform, our dreams of a new political settlement will remain unrealized.”
Renowned human rights activist and chair of the Women’s Reform Commission, Shireen Huq, emphasized the importance of prioritizing the rights of women and marginalized communities in the post-uprising era. “We want a humane state—a state that cares for all,” she said.
Dr Samina Luthfa, professor at the University of Dhaka, urged the nation to draw inspiration from its historical struggles and achievements as it forges ahead on the path of democracy.
Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, secretary general of Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), raised concerns about reform initiatives being obstructed at multiple levels, describing the situation as deeply frustrating. “Our reform efforts are being resisted from all quarters,” he said.
Dr Imran Matin, executive director of Brac Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD), discussed how engaging citizens more meaningfully in power redistribution processes could enhance democratic accountability.
Professor Dr Rubaiya Morshed and journalist Zina Tasrin underscored the need for transparency and accountability across all institutions to build broader unity.
The event was moderated by Dr Asif Mohammad Shahan, professor of Development Studies at the University of Dhaka.
In his concluding remarks, policy analyst Mohammad Asaduzzaman emphasized the significance of such dialogues in the current political context.
Among others in attendance were Tanvir Sobhan, faculty at Brac University; Ehtesham Haque, central joint convener of the National Citizen Party; Sadab Mobtasim Prantik, coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement; and Munim Mubasshir, student representative of the Anti-Corruption Commission Reform Commission.
