Bangladesh Marching Forward: From Exile to Power, From Chaos to Democratic Renewal
By Dr Ashraf Chohan
Chairman PMLN UK
Chief Editor Daily Rapid Lahore
Bangladesh stands at a defining crossroads in its political history. The journey from exile to power, from instability to democratic recalibration, reflects not merely a change in leadership but a deeper institutional transition. The nation’s political landscape has long been shaped by intense rivalry, street mobilisation, and periodic constitutional crises. Yet today, there are credible signs of an effort to restore balance through institutional neutrality and electoral integrity.
The return of political actors once marginalised or exiled marks a powerful democratic signal: political legitimacy must ultimately derive from the ballot box, not from coercion or exclusion. Bangladesh’s history demonstrates that exclusion breeds instability, while participation strengthens national resilience. The re-entry of opposition forces into mainstream politics has reduced polarisation and reopened democratic space.
Central to this transition has been the role of the judiciary. Under the stewardship of respected legal figures including Dr Muhammad Yunus, whose broader reformist vision has influenced governance debates globally, the emphasis has shifted toward constitutionalism and accountability. While Dr Yunus is internationally known for economic innovation and social enterprise, his moral authority has also reinforced calls for rule-based governance. The judiciary’s responsibility, however, remains strictly constitutional: to interpret the law impartially, safeguard civil liberties, and ensure executive actions remain within legal bounds.
Bangladesh’s courts, in recent months, have demonstrated increasing independence in adjudicating politically sensitive matters. This neutrality is essential. A credible judiciary is the spine of any functioning democracy. Without judicial independence, elections risk becoming procedural rather than substantive exercises.
Equally critical is the conduct of the interim government. Transitional administrations must operate with restraint, focusing solely on stabilisation and the facilitation of free, fair, and transparent elections. The principle is simple: incumbency advantage must be neutralised, state machinery must not be weaponised, and electoral bodies must function autonomously. Reports indicate heightened scrutiny over voter rolls, strengthened oversight mechanisms, and broader international observation — all positive indicators.
Neutral elections are not merely about polling day mechanics. They require equitable media access, security neutrality, transparent counting processes, and acceptance of results by all stakeholders. Democracy matures when political actors commit to constitutional pathways rather than street confrontation.
Bangladesh’s emergence at this moment is therefore not just political — it is institutional. From chaos toward constitutional order, from personality-driven conflict toward rule-based governance, the country has an opportunity to demonstrate that democratic renewal is possible in South Asia.
History will judge this phase not by rhetoric, but by whether institutions remain stronger than individuals. If neutrality holds — in the judiciary, in the interim administration, and at the ballot box — Bangladesh may well consolidate a more stable and inclusive democratic future.
