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Ershad's Rule: A Democratic Erosion

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 1:41 GMT by Associated Press
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The Seeds of Discontent: Ershad's Erosion of Democratic Norms

Ershad's ascent to power in 1982, through a military coup, initially presented a facade of stability following a period of political turmoil. However, this stability came at a steep cost: the gradual erosion of democratic norms and fundamental freedoms. While initially promising to restore democracy, Ershad's regime increasingly relied on authoritarian tactics. His policies were marked by a suppression of political opposition, restrictions on press freedom, and a growing disregard for the rule of law. The introduction of a 'Jatiya Party' effectively created a one-party dominance, stifling genuine multi-party participation.

By the late 1980s, simmering discontent had begun to boil over. Economic hardship, coupled with perceived corruption within the government, fuelled public anger. The absence of genuine political participation and the systematic silencing of dissent created a volatile atmosphere. Students, intellectuals, and civil society organizations formed the backbone of the growing resistance, recognizing that the future of Bangladesh hung in the balance.

The Uprising of 1990: A Nation Demands Change

In late 1990, the pent-up frustration exploded into a nationwide mass uprising. Student-led protests, initially sparked by specific grievances - such as the arrest of prominent opposition leaders and irregularities in local elections - quickly evolved into a broader demand for Ershad's resignation and a return to multi-party democracy. These protests weren't confined to Dhaka; they spread like wildfire across the country, paralyzing the nation through hartals (strikes) and demonstrations.

The movement gained momentum due to the coordinated efforts of a diverse coalition of political parties - including the Awami League led by Sheikh Hasina and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) under Khaleda Zia - and the unwavering support of civil society groups. Despite facing brutal crackdowns from security forces, protesters remained resolute, their numbers swelling with each passing day. Ershad's initial attempts to quell the unrest through force proved counterproductive, only serving to harden the resolve of the protesters and attract international condemnation.

Facing mounting pressure from within and abroad, and recognizing the unsustainability of his position, Ershad finally resigned on December 6th, 1990. This paved the way for the establishment of a caretaker government, tasked with overseeing the preparations for a free and fair election. The transition wasn't seamless, with lingering concerns about the neutrality of the caretaker administration and the potential for manipulation.

The 1991 Election: A Landmark Victory for Democracy

The February 1991 election was a historic event. For the first time in nearly a decade, Bangladeshis were able to exercise their democratic right to choose their leaders without the shadow of military interference. Multiple political parties contested the election, creating a vibrant and competitive political landscape. The BNP, skillfully led by Khaleda Zia, emerged as the largest party, securing a majority in Parliament and forming the new government. While the election wasn't without its flaws - allegations of irregularities and violence were reported - it was widely considered a significant improvement over previous elections under Ershad's rule.

The Legacy and Contemporary Challenges

The 1991 election remains a watershed moment in Bangladesh's history. It demonstrated the power of popular mobilization and the unwavering desire of the Bangladeshi people for democratic governance. It established a precedent for peaceful transitions of power, albeit a fragile one. However, the path to democratic consolidation has been far from smooth. Subsequent years have witnessed periods of political instability, marred by partisan violence, accusations of electoral malpractice, and a recurring tension between the military and civilian governments.

Today, Bangladesh continues to grapple with challenges to its democratic institutions. Concerns regarding freedom of expression, the independence of the judiciary, and the fairness of electoral processes persist. The legacy of 1991 serves as a potent reminder of the sacrifices made to achieve democratic freedoms, and the ongoing need to safeguard these hard-won gains. Understanding the lessons learned from the uprising and the 1991 election is crucial as Bangladesh navigates the complexities of the 21st century, striving to build a truly inclusive and resilient democracy.