Tag Archives: politics
The Bangladesh Political System
Although often marred in dysfunction, corruption, and strife; the Bangladesh government stands as one of the only democratically elected Muslin countries in the world. The political system functions as a parliamentary democracy that holds open elections for all citizens over 18 years of age. While the political system continues to adapt, Bangladesh still operates under its original constitution signed after their 1971 independence. Every five years, the 345-member Bangladesh unicameral parliament opens for free elections with a political system in place that reserves 45 seats for women. The controlling party then votes for the President, the largely symbolic head of Bangladesh. Following the presidential election, the individual selects a Prime Minister from the parliamentary body to assume the most prominent position of the Bangladesh political system. The Prime Minister then selects his cabinet members and ministers to be appointed by the President. The Bangladesh political system consists of two main parties lending this type of unicameral representation to constant political posturing. For one reason or another, the two main political parties seem to cede or gain power every five years, causing the majority party to control nearly the entire political system. The post-election focus of Bangladesh leaders becomes payback for … Continue reading
Political History of Chittagong
The political history of Chittagong, Bangladesh closely mirrors the similar political history of the greater South Asian sub-continent. Functioning as a port city for centuries, Chittagong has natural geographic benefits making it a desirable city to control for aspiring empires and leaders. Chittagong experienced political turmoil for much of their recorded history forcing several rebuilding efforts, but the city appears to become stronger each time. The political benefits to controlling a port city are clear. Direct access to imports/exports, travel, and food, often makes ancient port cities like Chittagong contested territory. The early political history of Chittagong demonstrates the importance of controlling the port. Beyond the water boundary, Chittagong is also surrounded by inhospitable land terrain, making it easier for controlling political powers to protect their interests. During the seventeenth century, the political control of Chittagong fell to the Mughal empire as much of the Indian sub-continent had during this period. The Mughal political system of overlords and subsidiaries maintained control of Chittagong until the British Empire eventually came to control the port city as their growing influence during the nineteenth and eighteenth centuries made this fate inevitable. Throughout the nineteenth century, the people of Islamabad–the Mughals changed Chittagong’s name … Continue reading
Bangladesh Politics and Student Activism
Bangladesh has a long history of intense student protest surrounding national politics. Students in Bangladesh have led major political movements and helped dictate the course of Bangladesh politics. Most recently, much of this activity in politics has turned violent, and students no longer inspire movements but encourage turmoil. The history of student involvement in Bangladesh politics dates back to the first nationalist movements of the former East Pakistan. The movement known as the Bengali Language Movement was led by student protesters refusing to give up their rights. As a result of growing tensions in Bangladesh surrounding the declaration of Urdu as the national language, governmental forces banned all public demonstrations. In 1952, student protests at Dhaka University challenging Pakistani politics led to police attacking the demonstrators and killing three students. Their death galvanized Bangladesh nationalism and started a long trend of student activism in politics. It seems in recent years Bangladesh students have become as jaded by partisan politics as their fore bearers. Bangladesh student leaders tend to go back and forth between practical demonstration and inspiring mass violence. The politics of these student groups seem to be passed down from either prominent political party, demonstrating an obedience to party … Continue reading
International Politics of Bangladesh
The nation of Bangladesh has increasingly became a player in international politics in recent years. Bangladesh is a member of several organizations fostering benevolent international politics world-wide. In addition, their strong stance on terrorism and general view towards religious tolerance places them in a unique position on the world stage. As a parliamentary democracy, Bangladesh shares a governmental philosophy with many Western nations aiding their incorporation in international politics. America and Bangladesh established ties following the latter’s liberation in 1972. Since then, America has considered Bangladesh a useful ally in international politics. Considering the negative views many Muslim nations hold towards the United States of America, the peaceful nature between Bangladesh and America illustrates the possibility of diverse nations working together towards common goals. Bangladesh also aided in Operation Desert Storm facilitating a shared view on international politics. Bangladesh maintains strong feelings for the nation of Afghanistan and has assisted in many humanitarian issues. The nation strongly opposed the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and has taken a strong opposition to terrorist camps, encouraging an acceptable world-view of their international politics. Bangladesh is a member of many world organizations encouraging fair international politics. During the 1970s, the Bangladesh president suggested a … Continue reading
Religious Influences in Bangladesh Politics
Many nations world-wide struggle maintaining a balance between religion and politics. When Bangladesh gained independence from the Islamic nation of Pakistan, the nation supported a secular view on politics, focusing more on social liberties than religious fundamentalism. However, Bangladesh citizens are largely Muslim and since the signing of the constitution, laws have been enacted that encourage Islamic viewpoints. Following the Indian partition of 1947, the Islamic nation of Pakistan consisted of modern day Pakistan and Bangladesh. The boundary lines were drawn this way because of the large populations of Islamic citizens. When Pakistan began pushing Muslim policy, such as naming Urdu the national language, Bangladesh citizens fought to retain their cultural identity. Islamic politics did not suit the future Bangladesh nation and they soon after pushed for their independence. The makeup of Bangladesh helps explain their gradual shift to more religious-based politics in recent years. Nearly ninety percent of Bangladesh citizens are Muslim with smaller percentages of Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists. After separating from Pakistan–a nation based on Islamic principles–Bangladesh supported more secular politics. Since that time the largely Islamic population of Bangladesh has pushed national politics towards more Islamic principles. Unlike many Islamic nations, Bangladesh politics maintain a strong … Continue reading