May 29, 2025 9:20 am
Full News

The Post-Independence Journey of Bangladesh: Which Path is It Following?

Zahidul islam

The political history of Bangladesh since its independence is divided into several significant phases, each raising various questions about the country’s present situation and future trajectory. After gaining independence, under the leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country began the process of reconstruction. However, the assassination of Sheikh Mujib on August 15, 1975, and the subsequent political crisis plunged the country into deep instability. Afterward, there were military rules and various struggles for democracy, leading to periods of political calm and other times of intense turbulence.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Leadership and Political Context:
The reign of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was one of the most crucial chapters in the history of Bangladesh. He gave the country its independence, but after independence, swift economic and social reconstruction was not possible. During his rule, various political crises, corruption, and military conspiracies destabilized the country. After his assassination in 1975, Bangladesh’s political landscape underwent a massive change, which further complicated in the following years.

Ziaur Rahman’s Regime and Ershad’s Government:
After Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib, Ziaur Rahman seized power in 1975 through a military coup. He took some steps to establish a multi-party democracy in the country; however, his rule was also marked by corruption, human rights violations, and political violence. After Zia’s assassination in 1981, his actions became a subject of political debate. In 1982, Hussain Muhammad Ershad came to power, ruling the country as a military leader. Ershad’s rule was especially controversial because, despite his commitment to democracy, his regime sought to oppress political parties and establish a one-party rule.

Leadership of Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia:
In 1991, democracy was reinstated in Bangladesh, and Khaleda Zia led the government through the BNP. While there were some developments during her rule, corruption, political violence, and the suppression of opposition parties were widely criticized. After 2008, under the leadership of the Awami League and Sheikh Hasina, many developmental measures were taken, although their rule was also marked by political repression, human rights violations, and a lack of democracy. The opposition movements and Sheikh Hasina’s government’s harsh responses have added new tensions to Bangladesh’s politics.

The Student Protest Against Inequality on August 5th and the Fall of Hasina’s Government:
Furthermore, the student movement against inequality on August 5th led to an increase in public dissatisfaction with the government institutions, and as a result, the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government became a potential outcome. The current situation could push the country into a deeper political crisis, with new challenges arising in ensuring democratic movements, protecting the rights of opposition parties, and guaranteeing fundamental rights for the people.

International Relations and the Role of Superpowers:
On the international front, Bangladesh’s relationship with India remains generally good, although occasional tensions arise due to border issues and economic matters. The relationship with Pakistan has been contentious, especially after the 1971 Liberation War. China, Russia, and the United States provide assistance for Bangladesh’s development, but the interests of superpowers and the pressures from international relations influence the internal politics of Bangladesh. Specifically, the U.S. has criticized Bangladesh’s political and human rights situation, particularly in relation to the Rohingya crisis and the state of democracy. China and Russia have supported Bangladesh in infrastructure development and economic cooperation, but their presence creates a certain level of tension within Bangladesh’s politics, which may further complicate the country’s internal political landscape in the future.

Comprehensive Analysis:
The future political and economic direction of Bangladesh will depend on the cooperation of the country’s political parties, efforts to safeguard the rights of opposition parties, and the assurance of democratic institutions. On one hand, necessary steps must be taken to ensure internal politics, human rights, democracy, and political freedoms, while on the other hand, Bangladesh must maintain its independence and sovereignty in international relations.

However, despite the internal political instability, the influence of superpowers, and the adverse effects of international relations, Bangladesh has made some progress in development in certain areas. Nonetheless, if political crises and pressures from superpowers persist, the path to overall development for the country could become even more difficult.

Disclaimer:
Opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not reflect The Voice’s views. The Voice upholds free expression but isn’t responsible for content in this section.

Related News
2-5 to 5-2: How Real Turned Around
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Reportedly Flees as Rebels Enter Damascus
Democrats Use Celebrity Support in Campaign Push
42 Killed in Suspected Herders’ Attacks on Farmers in Nigeria
Former General Michael Flynn Calls for Biden’s Removal, Accuses Biden  of Pushing Toward WWIII
Trump Signs Executive Order to Dismantle Seven Federal Agencies
Related Posts
Gazan Children Queue for Food as Starvation Crisis Deepens
Ukrainian Drones Strike Russian Weapons Factories, Kyiv Claims
People With ADHD Face Higher Driving Risks — But There Are Ways To Stay Safe
NYC Subway Modernization and Congestion Pricing Victory Highlight Latest MTA Board Meeting
Supporters of Khaleda Zia Rally in Dhaka, Demand General Election in December
China, North Korea, and Russia Respond to Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ Defense Proposal
More News

How Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni Could Bridge the Gap Between Trump and Europe

Not long ago, the idea of Italy hosting one of Europe’s most stable governments seemed implausible. Historically, Italian coalition governments have been notoriously short-lived, rarely surviving beyond a year. Yet, recent developments have placed Italy—and its far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni—at the forefront of Europe’s political landscape, particularly in shaping ties with the U.S. under […]

Jordan Proposes Exile of 3,000 Hamas Members from Gaza

Jordan has proposed the exile of 3,000 Hamas members from Gaza, a move that could help bring an end to the ongoing Israeli war. According to Middle East Eye, the proposal includes the expulsion of both military and civilian leaders and members of Hamas. Under the proposal, a specific timeframe would be given to disarm […]

Bangladeshi High Court Issues Rule on Bail for Journalist Shyamal Dutta

Dhaka, May 6, 2025:The High Court has issued a rule asking why veteran journalist Shyamal Dutta should not be granted bail in a murder case linked to violence during an anti-discrimination student movement in the Vasantek area of Dhaka in Bangladesh. The rule was issued on Tuesday by a High Court bench comprising Justice ASM […]

Clashes Erupt as South Korean Investigators Attempt to Detain President Yoon

South Korean authorities made a second attempt on Wednesday to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol at his official residence in Seoul. The effort follows allegations that Yoon’s brief declaration of martial law on December 3 constituted an attempted rebellion. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, in collaboration with the police, is leading the […]

What’s in the Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

If the deal is implemented, it will not only stop Israeli destruction in Gaza for the time being, but also open the way for the release of Israelis held hostage by Hamas and Palestinians held by Israel. Palestinian groups Hamas and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire that has raised hopes of ending more than […]

Kristen Stewart Reveals Robert Pattinson’s Sweet Armpit Obsession

Kristen Stewart, in a throwback interview from 2012, once revealed a quirky and rather bizarre habit of her then-boyfriend, Robert Pattinson, that took fans by surprise. Known for their iconic romance in the Twilight series, the couple’s off-screen relationship made headlines just as much as their on-screen chemistry. In a Vogue UK interview, Stewart admitted […]

Ukraine’s Massive Attack Sets Russian Airbase Ablaze

Ukraine has launched a massive drone attack on a strategic Russian bomber airbase, setting it ablaze on Thursday (March 20). The targeted airbase is located 700 kilometers from the front lines. Officials from both Russia and Ukraine have confirmed the attack. A video circulating on social media shows a massive explosion spreading around the airbase, […]

Australia’s National Autism Strategy: A Landmark Plan for Change

The Australian government has introduced its first national autism strategy, a comprehensive seven-year initiative aimed at improving the lives of autistic individuals across the country. This plan seeks to foster a more inclusive society where autistic people are supported to thrive. What Does the Strategy Include? The strategy outlines 22 commitments across four primary areas: […]

60 Bodies Recovered from Gold Mine in South Africa

South African police have recovered at least 60 bodies from an abandoned gold mine. The bodies, believed to be of illegal miners, were discovered in a mine located southwest of Johannesburg, according to a report by French news agency AFP on Wednesday. The report stated that local residents feared over 100 workers might have died […]

Malaysia Approves New Search for 10-Year-Old Mystery of Missing Flight MH370

After nearly a decade of uncertainty, the Malaysian government has given the green light to resume the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, one of the most baffling mysteries in aviation history.The Boeing 777 disappeared in March 2014 while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 passengers and crew on board. Despite extensive […]