The Contradictory Political Culture of Bangladesh: Root Causes and Implications

One frequent critique leveled against the political culture of Bangladesh is its apparent contradiction and inconsistency. However, this issue runs deeper than mere inefficiencies; it is a symptom of historical and contemporary societal dynamics that shape the political landscape. This article aims to delve into the reasons behind this contradictory political culture and its implications for the country's stability and development.

Historical Context and Historical Legacy

For much of its history, the political culture in Bangladesh has been significantly influenced by periods of foreign rule and a lack of enduring governance traditions. The collapse of the Palaeolithic empire and the subsequent foreign invasions ushered in a period during which Bengal was under foreign rule for nearly a millennium. This included Turkic rule, which began with the establishment of Islamic governance. The Turkic rulers brought a new religion but also a new political order that was seen as liberating for the lower-caste Hindus and Buddhists, as they provided a break from the dominance of upper-caste Hindus.

Despite the brief periods of local governance, the rulers were generally foreign and lacked the deep-rooted local legitimacy that other cultures perhaps had. This historical context contributed to a lack of local political culture and a reluctance to engage in political activities. This apathy towards politics persisted even when one dynasty replaced another, as locals remained largely disinterested in political activities.

Colonial Legacy and British Raj

The British Raj further exacerbated this political vacuum. The rulers were foreign, and the British administration operated with a small military force, primarily due to the local’s apathy and lack of resistance to their rule. With a mere 3000 troops, the British were able to conquer a vast region, laying the foundation for their 200-year rule. This colonial legacy left behind a political system that was not rooted in local sentiments or traditions, but rather in the mechanics of foreign governance. This has influenced the way politics is practiced in Bangladesh, where political engagement and political consciousness are secondary to other concerns.

Political Culture and Inheritance

Another significant factor contributing to the contradictory political culture in Bangladesh is the strong emphasis on family lineage and heritage in politics. Unlike countries with deeper-rooted political traditions and a long history of participatory governance, Bangladesh has a short political memory and a preference for continuity through family names. Unlike many other nations, where political leaders are often elected based on their platforms and policies, in Bangladesh, there is a tendency for political leaders to succeed family members in power. This leads to a political environment where loyalty to one's lineage is often more important than policy or governance outcomes.

Emotive Politics and Dichotomous Views

Political culture in Bangladesh is also characterized by emotional driven and dichotomous views. Unlike in many other countries, leaders in Bangladesh often rely on emotional appeals rather than detailed policy agendas. This emotional-based approach to politics is evident in the way leaders campaign and govern. The lack of a coherent political culture means that voters1 feel more compelled to vote against a party they dislike rather than for a specific policy or set of policies. This dichotomy often leads to a fragmented political landscape where policies alternate frequently and become contradictory over time.

Implications and Recommendations

The contradictory political culture in Bangladesh has far-reaching implications for the country's development. It creates a lack of stability and predictability, making it challenging to implement consistent and effective policies. Furthermore, the emotional and lineage-driven nature of politics makes it difficult to hold leaders accountable for policies and governance.

To address these issues, there is a need for a concerted effort to strengthen institutional and educational frameworks. Teaching a more comprehensive understanding of the country's history and political systems could help build a more engaged and informed citizenry. Additionally, fostering a culture of evidence-based policymaking and reducing the influence of personal animosities in politics could lead to a more stable and effective governance environment.