Democracy in Bangladesh| Class 12 Political Science Notes

Class 12 Political Science Notes Chapter 3: These notes about Chapter 3 “Democracy in Bangladesh” are really helpful for Class 12 students preparing for their board exams. They easily explain things, like how democracy works in Bangladesh, what challenges it faces, and what its future might look like.

You can learn about important topics such as the role of civil society, media, and human rights. Understanding these notes will make it easier for you to do well in your exams and understand more about politics in Bangladesh.

Democracy in Bangladesh

Bangladesh was previously a part of Pakistan from 1947 to 1971, created from the partitioned regions of Bengal and Assam in British India. However, the people of this area grew discontented with the dominance of Western Pakistan and the imposition of the Urdu language and culture.

In response to this discrimination against Bengali culture and language, protests erupted, demanding equal representation and political power. Led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the popular uprising against West Pakistani dominance called for the eastern region to be granted independence.

In the 1970 elections, the Awami League, under Sheikh Mujib’s leadership, secured a sweeping victory in East Pakistan, winning every seat and gaining a majority in the proposed constituent assembly for the entire country.

However, the refusal of the West Pakistani leadership to convene the assembly led to Mujib’s arrest. Under the military rule of General Yahya Khan, the Pakistani army brutally suppressed the Bengali people’s movement, resulting in thousands of deaths and prompting a massive influx of refugees into India.

In response, the Indian government provided both financial and military support to the people of East Pakistan in their quest for independence.

Constitution Of Bangladesh

Following the war in December 1971, India and Pakistan engaged in conflict, leading to the surrender of Pakistani forces in East Pakistan and the birth of Bangladesh. The constitution of Bangladesh embodies the country’s principles of secularism, democracy, and socialism.

In 1975, Sheikh Mujib made significant changes to the constitution, transitioning the government from parliamentary to presidential. Subsequently, all parties except his own, the Awami League, were banned, causing internal conflict and tensions. Mujib was assassinated in August 1975.

In 1979, Zia ur Rahman, the new military ruler, established his Bangladesh National Party and won elections. However, he too was assassinated, leading to another military takeover, this time under Lt Gen H. M. Ershad.

In response to public demand for democracy, Bangladeshis, led by students, rallied for democratic reforms. Ershad was compelled to allow some political activity.

Ershad was later elected President for five years, but resigned in 1990 due to widespread public outrage. Since 1991, Bangladesh has been governed by a representative democracy with multi-party elections.

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Chapter 3 Democracy in Bangladesh- FAQs

What is the political history of Bangladesh?

Bangladesh was part of Pakistan until 1971 when it gained independence after a war with Pakistan. Since then, it has experienced periods of military rule interspersed with brief periods of democratic governance.

What are the major political parties in Bangladesh?

The major political parties in Bangladesh include the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), among others.

How has democracy evolved in Bangladesh?

Bangladesh has experienced a tumultuous journey towards democracy, marked by military coups, political assassinations, and periods of martial law. However, since the early 1990s, it has made significant strides towards establishing a stable democratic system.

What role do civil society and the media play in Bangladesh democracy?

Civil society organizations and the media have played a crucial role in advocating for democratic reforms, promoting human rights, and holding the government accountable. However, they also face challenges such as censorship and repression.

What are the challenges to democracy in Bangladesh?

Challenges to democracy in Bangladesh include political violence, corruption, lack of institutional capacity, and the influence of the military in politics. Ethnic and religious tensions pose significant challenges to democratic governance.