PLURALISM is a fundamental principle of liberal democracy, ensuring that diverse political parties, ideologies, and social groups coexist and actively participate in governance. The constitutional reform commission proposed key amendments to the preamble of the constitution, emphasising values such as equality, social justice, human dignity, and democracy 鈥� while controversially removing secularism, nationalism, and socialism. This shift raises critical questions about the future of political pluralism in Bangladesh.
Political pluralism promotes the peaceful coexistence of diverse beliefs, interests, and lifestyles, ensuring that no single ideology or group monopolises power. It recognises the autonomy of various functional and cultural groups 鈥� including professional organisations, religious communities, trade unions, and ethnic minorities 鈥� allowing them a voice in governance. As defined by Encyclopaedia Britannica, pluralism in political science is the belief that power in liberal democracies should be distributed among various economic and ideological groups rather than concentrated in the hands of an elite few. A lack of pluralism paves the way for tyranny, while a pluralistic system fosters harmony, discourages extremism, and mitigates political antagonism.
Since its independence in 1971, Bangladesh has experienced different forms of governance, including autocracy and semi-democracy, often at the cost of political pluralism. When power is centralised, the principle of separation of powers becomes merely symbolic, leading to a decline in democratic freedoms.
In the early years after independence, the 1973 elections gave Sheikh Mujibur Rahman a sweeping majority. However, his government soon moved toward centralisation of power. The fourth amendment of the constitution, enacted in 1975, established a one-party state under the Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League, effectively eliminating opposition parties and impairing judicial independence. This shift severely restricted political pluralism and curtailed democratic rights.
Following Mujib鈥檚 assassination, Ziaur Rahman assumed office in 1977. He reintroduced multi-party democracy, lifted bans on political activity, and established the Supreme Judicial Council to enhance judicial independence. While these reforms expanded political pluralism, his tenure was also marked by authoritarian tendencies, particularly in suppressing dissent.
Lieutenant General Hussain Muhammad Ershad, who seized power through a coup in 1982, imposed military rule, holding nominal elections to legitimise his authority. His decade-long dictatorship stifled political pluralism, though opposition parties occasionally participated in flawed electoral processes. His rule ultimately ended in 1990 through a mass uprising, leading to the introduction of the caretaker government system, which facilitated fair elections.
From 1991 onwards, Bangladesh saw alternating rule between Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina. While Khaleda Zia鈥檚 two terms (1991鈥�1996 and 2001鈥�2006) allowed opposition parties to operate and saw advancements in female education and minority rights, concerns remained about judicial independence and political intolerance.
Sheikh Hasina鈥檚 tenure, particularly her prolonged rule from 2009 to 2025, witnessed a significant decline in democratic norms. Judicial independence was compromised, political opposition was stifled, and authoritarian practices 鈥� such as forced disappearances and suppression of dissent 鈥� became widespread. Critics argue that her government鈥檚 extensive interference in state institutions led to a near-total erosion of political pluralism. The banking sector suffered from widespread corruption, and the political landscape became increasingly repressive. Ultimately, her government faced mass protests, leading to its downfall.
Following Sheikh Hasina鈥檚 departure, an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has been tasked with restoring democratic principles. This administration has pledged to uphold liberal democracy, protect minority rights, and guarantee press freedom. The upcoming constitutional reforms are expected to reinforce pluralistic values, ensuring that diverse political views and societal groups regain their rightful place in the governance of Bangladesh.
As Bangladesh stands at a crossroads, the commitment to political pluralism will determine its democratic future. A true liberal democracy requires not only free elections but also a political culture that embraces diversity, fosters dialogue, and safeguards the rights of all citizens. Whether the country can rebuild and sustain such a framework remains a decisive question for its future stability and democratic integrity.
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Md Mahabubur Rahman is a researcher.