TDS Desk:

Bangladesh has slipped 25 notches to rank 100th among 167 countries on the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index 2024 as its score hit a record low.

The annual index, released yesterday (27 February), rated the state of democracy in countries across the globe based on five categories – electoral process and pluralism, functioning of government, political participation, political culture, and civil liberties.

With an overall score of 4.44 on a scale of 10, Bangladesh remains classified as a “hybrid regime” but now ranks closer to the lower end of the classification. A score of 10 would mean the best performance.

The EIU defines “hybrid regimes” as those countries where “elections have substantial irregularities that often prevent them from being both free and fair.”

In its report, EIU said Bangladesh suffered the biggest regression of any country in the world — its score fell by 1.44 points to 4.44 — and Pakistan and South Korea were also among the top ten worst performers in the index in 2024, based on significant downgrades in their index scores.

“Bangladesh registered the biggest score change of any country in 2024, a negative 1.44 points on the 0-10 index scale, following a rigged election, the ousting of the prime minister and political unrest. It dropped 25 places in the rankings to joint 100th out of 167. It remains a “hybrid regime” but is much closer to the lower end of the classification now,” read the report.

It said that despite the election rigging in Bangladesh, grassroots movements emerged as agents for change. Youth-led initiatives helped to foster a sense of agency among younger generations who are increasingly disillusioned with the established political parties.

“Despite these positive developments, divisions based on religious and caste identities are used by ruling elites to shape national political narratives and sway voters. In Bangladesh, the protests that ousted long-serving prime minister Sheikh Hasina revealed the intersection of political unrest and sectarian violence. The protests were not merely directed against Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic governance but also revealed a strong undercurrent of anti-Hindu sentiment,” read the EIU report.

“Following the resignation of the prime minister in August 2024, violent communal attacks targeted individuals from minorities and their properties. In India, the BJP has stoked religious sectarianism and fostered an environment in which anti-Muslim sentiment is not only tolerated but often encouraged by political elites. The increasing resort to identity politics by political actors looking to build support is having a negative impact on social cohesion,” it added.

The report said the prospects for democracy in South Asia remain uncertain. “The democratic reversal in Bangladesh in 2024 may prove temporary if forthcoming elections are conducted freely and fairly.”