Bangladesh has dropped 25 positions to 100th place out of 167 countries in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index 2024, as its score reaches a record low.
The annual index, released on Thursday, rated the state of democracy in countries across the globe based on five categories – electoral process and pluralism, functioning of government, political participation, political culture, and civil liberties.
Bangladesh, with an overall score of 4.44 out of 10, remains categorised as a “hybrid regime” in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Democracy Index 2024, but it now ranks closer to the lower end of that classification.
A score of 10 represents the highest possible performance, and “hybrid regimes” are defined by the EIU as countries where elections suffer from significant irregularities, preventing them from being fully free and fair.
According to the EIU report, Bangladesh experienced the most significant regression of any country globally, with its score plummeting by 1.44 points. This dramatic decline was driven by a rigged election, the ousting of the prime minister, and widespread political unrest. As a result, Bangladesh dropped 25 places in the rankings, now sitting at 100th out of 167 countries. Despite the decline, the country remains classified as a “hybrid regime,” though it now falls closer to the bottom of that category.
The report also highlighted the emergence of grassroots movements in Bangladesh, particularly youth-led initiatives, which have sparked a sense of agency among younger generations disillusioned with the established political parties.
However, the EIU notes that divisions based on religion and caste continue to be exploited by ruling elites to manipulate political narratives and sway voters. The protests that led to the ousting of prime minister Sheikh Hasina not only reflected dissatisfaction with her autocratic governance but also revealed deep-rooted anti-Hindu sentiments, contributing to heightened sectarian violence.
The EIU report pointed to violent communal attacks on minorities following Hasina’s resignation in August 2024, as well as the rise of identity politics across South Asia. In India, for instance, the BJP has fueled anti-Muslim sentiments, creating an environment where religious sectarianism is often encouraged by political elites. These developments, the report warns, threaten social cohesion in the region.
Looking ahead, the report casts uncertainty on the prospects for democracy in South Asia, suggesting that the democratic setbacks in Bangladesh in 2024 may be temporary, depending on whether future elections are held freely and fairly.
