Political Culture in Bangladesh

Md. Saeed AnwarSociology DisciplineKhulna UniversityKhulna University

�Introduction

�Political culture is a distinctive and patterned formofpolitical philosophy that consists of beliefs on howgovernmental, political, and economic life should be carriedout. It creates a framework for political change and are uniqueto nations, states, and other groups. Political culture refers towhat people believe and feel about government, and howtheythink peopleshouldacttowardsit. (Ahmed,1989).think peopleshouldacttowardsit. (Ahmed,1989).

� Politics

Politics is omnipresent… Rules are made and enforced in all humancommunities within the country.

� Robert Dahl is of the opinion that “Politics is any persistentpattern in human relationships that involves, to a significantextent, control, influence, power or authority.”

�Political Culture

“Political culture”, it has been observed, “is one of the most popularand seductive in political science; it is also one of the mostcontroversial and confused” Elkins and Simeon (1979:127).

� The termwas first employed byLenin and White in 1979. Theyused the termrefer to the role of political education and massmediain theSovietUnion.mediain theSovietUnion.

� Political culture can be defined as "The orientation of the citizensof a nation toward politics, and their perceptions of politicallegitimacy and the traditions of political practice," and thefeelings expressed by individuals in the position of the electedoffices that allowfor the nurture of a political society.

(Rahman, 2010)

� Wyn Grant, Professor of Politics, University of Warwick, UK,

defines political culture as

“The attitudes, beliefs, and values which underpin the operation of a

particular political system. These were seen as including

knowledge and skills about the operation of the political system,

positive and negative emotional feelings towards it, and evaluative

judgments about the system. Particular regional, ethnic, or other

groups within a political systemwith their own distinctive sets of

values, attitudes, and beliefs were referred to as subcultures.”

� "The political culture of a nation is the particular distribution of

patterns of orientation towards political objects among the

members of the nation." (Almond and Verba, 1963)

� Characteristics of Political CulturePolitical scientist Sidney Verba, describes the characteristicsof

political culture as

� System of empirical beliefs, expressive symbols, and values,which defines the situation in which political action takes place.

� Political culture is a distinctive and patterned formof politicalphilosophythatconsistsof beliefson how governmental,political,philosophythatconsistsof beliefson how governmental,political,and economic life should be carried out.

� It creates a framework for political change and are unique tonations, states, and other groups.

� A political culture differs frompolitical ideology in that peoplecan disagree on an ideology (what government should do) but stillshare a common political culture.

� Some ideologies, however, are so critical of the status that they

require a fundamental change in the way government is operated,

and therefore embody different political culture as well.

� The political systemas internalized in the cognition, feelings and

evolutions of its population.

� The political culture of a nation is the particular distribution� The political culture of a nation is the particular distribution

toward political objects among members of the nation”

( Gabriel and Verba,1965, p. 13)

�Types of Political CultureGabriel Almond and Sidney Verba outlined three pure types of

political culture:

� Parochial - Where citizens are only remotely aware of thepresence of central government, and live their lives near enoughregardless of the decisions taken by the state.

� Subject - Where citizens are aware of central government, and areheavily subjected to its decisions with little scope for dissent.

� Participant - Citizens are able to influence the government invarious ways and they are affected by it.

� Other Types of Political CultureThere are also some types of political culture, these are

� Moral Political CultureIn this culture type society is held to be more important than theindividual. Individualismis not submerged in any way, but the grouprecognizes the need of individuals to assign value to the group.Government tends to be seen as a positive force. Politics is consideredone of the great activities of man in the search for the "good society.(BBC News, 2010).(BBC News, 2010).

�Individual Political CultureIn areas with this type of political culture, government is seen as havinga very practical orientation. Government is instituted for largelyutilitarian reasons. It need not have any direct concern with questionsof the "good society.” Government should be largely restricted to thoseareas which encourage private initiative. (BBC News, 2010).

� Traditional Political CultureSocial and family ties are prominent where this type of politicalculture is found. This often means that some families run thegovernment and others have little to say about it. This reflects anolder attitude that embraces a hierarchical society as part of thenatural order of things. (BBC News, 2010).

� The Historical Roots of Political Culture� The Historical Roots of Political CultureThe political culture of Bangladesh is an area which has hardly beenexplored. The cultural basis of Bangladesh has been formed byseveral religious traditions .There is very little information about theprehistory of Bengal. (BBC News, 2010).

Thus the political ideologies in Bangladesh have mainly assumedpopulist forms. Populismrefers to any utopia espoused by someoppressed groups to transforma given condition of society throughcollective action on the assumption that the indigenous society is anatural and homogeneous community. It is generally opposed tobig business. The Muslimleague became a mass political partyheaded by charismatic leaders like M.A Jinnah and A.K FazlulHaque. (Choudhury, 1972).

� Political Parties and their Culture� Awami League formerly Awami MuslimLeague was established

on June 23 in 1949. In 1955 the word Muslimwas dropped fromthe nomenclature.

� The BNP was formed on September 1 in 1978.

� Jatiyo Party and Jamat-E Islamare the another political parties.Both the parties have become quite old and matured, but the twoparties have not been seen making any effort to practicedemocracy.

� Rather dictatorship in running party affairs seems getting strongerday by day than democracy.

� There is none in the two parties dare speak against any decision ofthe party chairman or president even it goes wrong.

� Democracy has remained in the paper; while a fewhave beenenjoying an economic boom, most of the citizens still live farbelow the poverty line; economic injustice coupled withlawlessness and corruption have put the country on the brink of atotal chaos. (Rahman, 2010).

� Political Culture of Bangladesh

History of Political Culture of Bangladesh

Provisional Government

� Bangladesh's first government took oath of office in Meherpur,Kushtia on April 10, 1971, after Major Ziaur Rahman initiatedthe first revolt with his battalion againsta brutal five divisionthe first revolt with his battalion againsta brutal five divisionarmy crackdown on the local people of Bangladesh, and declaredindependence on March 26th 1971 in Chittagong.TheBangladesh Forces was set up and organized under 11 Sectors toconduct all operations pertaining towards independence fromPakistan under the leadership of the Sector and Brigadecommanders.(Moazzem, 2013).

1971-75: The

Mujib era

1977-81: The

Zia regime

2006-09:

Caretaker

government

2009 to

present: The

third Awami

League

regime

1982-91:The

Ershad

regime

1991-96: The

Bangladesh

Nationalist

Party (BNP)

regime

1996-2000:

The second

Awami

League

regime

2001-06:

Coalition

government

headed by

the BNP

� Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, (1972-75)� Sheikh Mujibur Rahman came to administrative center with

immense personal popularity but had difficulty transforming thispopular support into the political strength needed to function ashead of government. (Background Note, 2008)

� The newconstitution, which came into force in 16 December1972, created a strong executive prime minister, a largelyceremonial presidency, an independent judiciary, and aceremonial presidency, an independent judiciary, and aunicameral legislature. (Background Note, 2008)

� The 1972 constitution adopted as state policy the AwamiLeague's (AL) four basic principles of nationalism, secularism,socialism, and democracy. (Background Note, 2008)

� The first parliamentary elections held under the 1972 constitution were in 7 March 1973, with the Awami League winning a massive majority. (Background Note, 2008).

� After proclaiming a state of emergency, Mujib used hisparliamentary majority to win a constitutional amendment limitingthe powers of the legislative and judicial branches, establishing anexecutive presidency, and instituting a one-party system, theBangladeshKrishak SramikAwami League(BAKSAL), which allBangladeshKrishak SramikAwami League(BAKSAL), which allmembers of Parliament (and senior civil and military officials)were obliged to join. (Background Note, 2008).

�Ziaur Rahman, (1975-81)

� Successive military coups resulted in the emergence of ArmyChief of Staff General Ziaur Rahman ("Zia") as strongman. Hepledged the army's support to the civilian government headed byPresident Chief Justice Sayem. (Background Note, 2008).

� Acting at Zia's behest, Sayemdissolved Parliament, promisingfreshelectionsin 1977, and institutedmartial law. (Backgroundfreshelectionsin 1977, and institutedmartial law. (BackgroundNote, 2008).

� Lifting the ban on political parties fromMujib's one partyBAKSAL rule, he sought to revitalize the demoralizedbureaucracy, to begin neweconomic development programs,infrastructure buildup, a free press and to emphasize familyplanning. (Background Note, 2008).

� Zia invigorated a strong foreign policy based on sovereignty andeconomic independence. (Background Note, 2008).

� He initiated many social programs to uplift the poor through honesthard work and education. His greatest legacy on the people ofBangladesh was unity and self dependence. (Background Note,2008).

� Hussain Mohammed Ershad (1982-1990)� Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Hussain Mohammed Ershad assumed

power in the second, but, bloodless coup in March 24th 1982. Tostrenghthen his hold on government Ershad suspended theconstitution and citing pervasive corruption, ineffectual government,and economic mismanagement declared martial law. (BackgroundNote, 2008).

� At the same time, the Jatiya (People's) Party, designed asErshad's political vehicle for the transition frommartial law, wasestablished. (Background Note, 2008).

� The Jatiya Party won a modest majority of the 300 elected seatsin the national assembly. The participation of the Awami League-led by the late Prime Minister Mujib's daughter, Sheikh HasinaWazed-lent the elections some credibility, despite widespreadchargesof voting irregularities.(BackgroundNote,2008).chargesof voting irregularities.(BackgroundNote,2008).

� Ershad easily outdistanced the remaining candidates, taking 84%of the vote. Although Ershad's government claimed a turnout ofmore than 50%, opposition leaders, and much of the foreignpress, estimated a far lower percentage and alleged votingirregularities. (Background Note, 2008).

�Khaleda Zia, (1991-96)� The center-right BNP won a plurality of seats and formed a

government with support fromthe Islamic party Jamaat-I-Islami,with Khaleda Zia, widowof Ziaur Rahman, obtaining the post ofprime minister. (Background Note, 2008).

� In March 1994, controversy over a parliamentary by-election,which the opposition claimed the government had rigged, led toan indefinite boycott of Parliamentby the entire opposition.an indefinite boycott of Parliamentby the entire opposition.(Background Note, 2008).

� The opposition also began a programof repeated general strikesto press its demand that Khaleda Zia's government resign and acaretaker government supervise a general election. (BackgroundNote, 2008).

� The opposition then continued a campaign of Marches,demonstrations, and strikes in an effort to force the government toresign. The opposition, including the Awami League's SheikhHasina, pledged to boycott national elections scheduled forFebruary 15, 1996. (Background Note, 2008).

� In February, Khaleda Zia was re-elected by a landslide in votingboycotted and denounced as unfair by the three main oppositionparties. In March 1996, following escalatingpolitical turmoil, theparties. In March 1996, following escalatingpolitical turmoil, thesitting Parliament enacted a constitutional amendment to allowaneutral caretaker government to assume power and conduct newparliamentary elections; former Chief Justice Mohammed HabiburRahman was named Chief Adviser (a position equivalent to primeminister) in the interimgovernment. (Background Note, 2008).

� Sheikh Hasina, (1996-2001)� Sheikh Hasina formed what she called a "Government of National

Consensus" in June 1996, which included one minister fromtheJatiya Party and another fromthe Jatiyo Samajtantric Dal, a verysmall leftist party. (Background Note, 2008).

� The Jatiya Party never entered into a formal coalition arrangement,and party president H.M. Ershad withdrewhis support fromthegovernmentin September1997. (Background Note, 2008).governmentin September1997. (Background Note, 2008).

� International and domestic election observers found the June 1996election free and fair, and ultimately, the BNP party decided to jointhe newParliament.

� At the end of 1996, the BNP staged a parliamentary walkoutover this and other grievances but returned in January 1997under a four-point agreement with the ruling party. (BackgroundNote, 2008).

�Khaleda Zia, (2001-2006)� The four-party alliance led by the BNP won over a two-thirds

majority in Parliament. Begum KhaledaZia was sworn in onmajority in Parliament. Begum KhaledaZia was sworn in onOctober 10, 2001, as Prime Minister for the third time (first in1991, second after the February 15, 1996 elections). BackgroundNote, 2008).

� Despite her August 2001 pledge and all election monitoringgroups declaring the election free and fair, Sheikh Hasinacondemned the election, rejected the results, and boycottedParliament. Background Note, 2008).

� On August 17, 2005, near-synchronized blasts of improvisedexplosive devices in 63 out of 64 administrative districts targetedmainly government buildings and killed two persons. (BackgroundNote, 2008).

� An extremist Islamist group named Jamaat-ul-MujahideenBangladesh (JMB) claimed responsibility for the blasts andsubsequent attacks on the courts in several districts killed 28people,including judges,lawyers,and police personnelguardingpeople,including judges,lawyers,and police personnelguardingthe courts. (Background Note, 2008).

� A government campaign against the Islamic extremists led to thearrest of hundreds of senior and mid-level JMB leaders. Six topJMB leaders were tried and sentenced to death for their role in themurder of two judges. (Background Note, 2008).

�Caretaker Government (2006-2008)

� An Caretaker Government election was scheduled for the end of2006, however it did not take place. The caretaker government wasaccused of BNP bias by Hasina and her coalition, who fomentednationwide protests and shutdowns. In January 2007, the head ofthe caretaker government stepped down, many believe underpressure fromthe military. (Background Note, 2008).

�Fakhruddin Ahmed, former World Bank economist, was�Fakhruddin Ahmed, former World Bank economist, wasselected to replace Yazuidin Ahmed and has committedhimself to rooting out corruption and preparing a better voterlist. Emergency lawwas declared and a massive campaign tocrack down on corruption is underway. By July 2007 some200,000 people had been arrested. The government says itwill hold elections before the end of 2008. (Background Note,2008).

� Sheikh Hasina 2009-Present: � The Awami league won national election on December 29, 2008

as part of a larger electoral alliance that also included the JatiyaParty led by former military ruler General Ershad as well as someleftist parties. According to the Official Results, BangladeshAwami League won 230 out of 299 constituencies, and togetherwith its allies, had a total of 262 parliamentary seats.(Background Note, 2008).

� The Awami League and its allies received 57% of the total votescast. The AL alone got 48%, compared to 36% of the other majoralliance led by the BNP which by itself got 33% of the votes.Sheikh Hasina, as party head, is the newPrime Minister. Hertermof office began in January, 2009. (Background Note, 2008).

• The current cabinet has several newfaces, including three womenin prominent positions: Dr Dipu Moni (Foreign Minister), MatiaChowdhury (Agriculture Minister) and Dr. Serin SarminChoudhory speaker of Bangladesh Parliament. Younger MPs witha link to assassinated members of the 1972-1975 AL governmentare Syed Ashraful Islam, son of Syed Nazrul Islam, SheikhTaposh, son of Sheikh Fazlul Huq Moni, and Sohel Taj (but he isnot at present his position), son of Tajuddin Ahmad. (Dahl, 1994).

• Since 2009, the Awami Leaguegovernmentfaced several• Since 2009, the Awami Leaguegovernmentfaced severalmajor political challenges, including BDR(border securityforce) mutiny, power crisis, unrest in garments industry andstock market fluctuations, Destiny, Halmark and Padmabridge corruption. Judicial achievements for the partyincluded restoring 1972 constitution (set by the first AwamiLeague government), beginning of war crimes trials, andguilty verdicts in 1975 assassination or murder trial.(Background Note, 2008)

� According to the Nielsen 2 year survey, 50% felt the country wasmoving in the right direction, and 36% gave the government afavorable rating.(Background Note, 2008).

�Critical Aspect of Political Culture in Bangladesh� The basic rights like freedomof speech, right to jobs available

locally and rights to justice are nowsubject to political connectionin Bangladeshbecauseall governmentandautonomousbodiesarein Bangladeshbecauseall governmentandautonomousbodiesareheavily politicized.

� Political power primarily originates fromthe control over land,labor and capital.

� Bangladesh has had a very poor tradition of growing leadershipthrough democratic practices in the parties.

� In our country politicians do not practice democracy within theirparties

� Since immoral anti-social elements in the society in most cases arelinked to some political sections, lawis easily violated and justicesystembroken.

� If there is any offensive activities in the society, the political identityof the offenders becomes the major factor for judgment. Judgmentgoes in favor of who are politically more powerful in the society.

� Though there are provisions in the constitution of the parties forselecting and electing party leaders in each tier, these provisions arehardly followed.

� Patron-client relationbetweenthepowerfulmoneyedpeopleandthe� Patron-client relationbetweenthepowerfulmoneyedpeopleandthepolitical parties is evident in the Bangladesh political culture.

� Being the President or the Chairperson, the party chiefs enjoysupreme authority, and unchallenged dictating power, which theydon’t want to lose in any case.

� Party and family in the context of Bangladesh politic have beensynonymous to most of the common people, even to the partyactivists. For example : Mujjib and Zia families. (Choudhury, 1972).

Conclusion � The fate of Bangladeshis depends on two political parties, the Awami

League and the BNP. Before the general election they presentvariousagenda related to people's welfare, but after election theyforgeteverything and seek only self-interest. They consider everythingpolitically. People of ruling party always get privilege.The recent political violence in the country has claimed 60 lives includingsix policemen. In addition, central party office of the opposition BNP wasraided by police. A major problemof politics is that the governmentleadersdo not meanwhat they say. We know that every action has aleadersdo not meanwhat they say. We know that every action has areaction. So, bad political culture may bring adverse consequences. Webetter keep it in mind that darkness cannot remove darkness.Similarly,hate can not remove hatred. Finally, the real democracy and acutedisparity of economy were the main spirits of the liberationwar ofBangladesh. It is 42 years since Bangladesh became independent. Wecould not go where we wanted to go. Our all achievements are beingdiminished due to hostile, negative and damaging politicalcultures. Wehave to come out fromthis culture if we want to start nation buildingpolitics.

References� Almond, Gabriel A., Verba, Sidney, 1965. The Civic Culture.

� Ahmed, Emajuddin, 1989. Society and Politics in Bangladesh.

� Bangladesh hangs killers of independence leader Mujib – BBC “BBC News. 27 January2010.

� "Background Note: Bangladesh". 2008. Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (March2008). Accessed June 11, 2008.

� Dahl, Robert, 1996. The Future of Democratic Theory .

� Moazzem Hossain, 2013. International Publications Limited from Tropicana Tower (4thfloor), 45, TopkhanaRoad,GPOBox : 2526Dhaka- 1000floor), 45, TopkhanaRoad,GPOBox : 2526Dhaka- 1000

� Rahman, S, 2010; Institutionalization of Democracy in the Political Parties in BangladeshDoes culture matter?, Department of General and Continuing Education. North SouthUniversity, Bangladesh

� Robert Dahl (Yale University), Modern Political Analysis 5th edition(Englewood CliffsNJ: Prentice-Hall, 1991): 4

� Choudhury, G. W. (April 1972). "Bangladesh: Why It Happened". International Affairs(Royal Institute of International Affairs)

� Rahman Md. Saidur, 2010. Institutionalization of Democracy in the PoliticalParties inBangladesh Does culture matter? North South University, Bangladesh.

� www. Wikipedia.com. 2013

THANKS TO ALL