Roots and resilience: Understanding the rise and persistence of authoritarianism in Bangladesh

Abstract

The transition of Bangladesh from an electoral democracy to an authoritarian state, while undergoing visible economic and social development, is a paradox. What factors, from home and abroad, are responsible for the emergence and persistence of Sheikh Hasina's authoritarian rule in Bangladesh? This article aims to answer the above question based on secondary data sources using several theoretical frameworks related to the rise of authoritarianism. It argues that several social, political, economic, and cultural factors are responsible for the emergence and persistence of authoritarianism under the Sheikh Hasina regime. These factors include fracturing political institutions, India's intervention, the culture of fear, and collective action problems. Besides, internal political culture, say confused democrats, is also a contributory cause of the emergence of Hasina's autocratic regime. This study contributes to comparative politics by offering insights into how authoritarianism emerged and persisted in developing countries. Its findings will enhance our understanding of the structural and contextual factors driving authoritarian trends, offering comparative perspectives relevant to comparativists.