Bangladesh's fragile democracy tests civil society's power to rebuild trust

Bangladesh faces a fragile moment after more than a decade of heavy-handed rule. The collapse of the old political order, marked by repression and corruption, has left the country searching for stability. With the Awami League banned from upcoming elections, civil society is now seen as the key force to guide a credible democratic transition.

The challenge is steep. Civil society must rebuild public trust while addressing its own past failures and detachment from ordinary people. Its role in ensuring a peaceful transition—without slipping into further conflict—has never been more critical.

The political system that dominated Bangladesh for over ten years unravelled under its own excesses. Extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and widespread intimidation fuelled public anger. Deeply unpopular policies, often seen as favouring foreign powers over national interests, further eroded trust in the state.

The exclusion of the Awami League from elections reflects this backlash. Many believe its leaders must face accountability before any return to normal politics. With major parties now pursuing indirect strategies—backing proxy groups or positioning themselves as protest vehicles—the electoral landscape remains unstable.

Civil society's task is to fill this void. It must promote transparency in elections, educate voters, and fight misinformation. But its credibility depends on breaking from past opportunism and reconnecting with grassroots concerns. Without concrete steps, its ability to lead remains in question.

Beyond elections, civil society must mediate tensions in communities where rivalries risk turning violent. Restoring faith in democracy also means tackling entrenched problems: dynastic politics, patronage networks, and factions that value loyalty over competence. These issues have long weakened governance and must be confronted head-on.

Bangladesh's transition hinges on civil society's ability to act as both a stabilising force and a reformer. Its success will determine whether the country can move past years of repression and corruption. For now, the path forward remains uncertain—dependent on whether civil society can rebuild trust and deliver real change.