Sheikh Hasina and the Strongman Regime in Bangladesh

Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh has served as prime minister since January 2009, marking one of the longest tenures in the country's modern political history. Her administration has seen a significant decline in democratic practices, which has been characterized by:

• Stage-managed Elections: Elections have increasingly favored the ruling party, with numerous reports of vote rigging and manipulation of electoral processes.

• Increased Surveillance: The government has implemented extensive surveillance measures to monitor citizens, curtailing freedoms and instilling fear among dissenters.

• Enforced Disappearances: A troubling trend has emerged where individuals, including activists and opposition members, have gone missing, raising alarm among human rights organizations globally.

• Legal Frameworks Stifling Criticism: Various laws, particularly the Digital Security Act of 2018, have been criticized for their vagueness and for enabling the government to suppress free speech and imprison those who criticize the regime (Human Rights Watch, 2021).

Hasina and her party, the Awami League, have effectively transitioned Bangladesh toward a one-party state, minimizing political opposition and undermining the democratic framework.

Concept of Strongman

The term "strongman" is employed to analyze Sheikh Hasina's regime, representing a governance style characterized by concentrated power and limited checks on authority. This chapter explores several critical aspects:

• Transition from Democracy to Authoritarianism: An examination of how democratic institutions have been systematically dismantled and replaced with authoritarian mechanisms.

• The Dynamic of Dominant Leadership: Evidence of how Hasina's leadership style, often described as autocratic, shapes political decisions and government functions.

• Examples of Strongman Leaders: Comparative analysis with leaders exhibiting similar traits, such as Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines, Narendra Modi in India, and Hun Sen in Cambodia, underlining the common patterns of governance that prioritize personal authority over democratic principles.

Elements of Strongman Regime

1. Constitutional Tweaking:

Changes in the constitution have facilitated the rapid erosion of checks and balances in state governance, allowing for coalition-building among state institutions that effectively diminish the influence of political rivals and opposition parties. This manipulation nurtures a self-sustaining coalition that reinforces the regime's power.

2. Ideological Construction:

Hasina is framed as an exceptional leader who embodies the national identity, crucial to the country’s development, thereby straying from liberal democratic norms and fostering a narrative that elevates her governance.

3. Legal Frameworks:

The implementation of restrictive laws, such as the Digital Security Act, curtails dissent and criticism of the regime. Critics argue that these laws serve as tools for political repression rather than protecting national security.

Constitutional Amendments and Military Relations

Upon resuming office in 2009, Hasina redefined relationships between the state and military, fostering a close alliance:

• Handling Military Mutinies: Her strategic response to military unrest has been critical in rebuilding trust between the government and military factions.

• Enhanced Military Roles in Civil Projects: By promoting military involvement in civil infrastructure projects, Hasina has strengthened internal support within the military for her government.

• Abolishing the Caretaker Government System (2011): This pivotal change allowed the Awami League to exert greater control over electoral processes, further entrenching its power.

National Identity and Bangabandhu

Hasina’s leadership narrative is significantly intertwined with her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who is regarded as the father of the nation. Her government has actively promoted:

• Cult of Personality: Building an official narrative that venerates Mujibur Rahman, and linking her governance to his legacy and vision for Bangladesh, notably the concept of "Sonar Bangla" (Golden Bengal).

• Public Worship of Bangabandhu: The state-sponsored reverence towards Mujibur Rahman fosters unity under Hasina's rule, intertwining national pride with her political legitimacy.

Political Violence and Repression

A notable transition in political violence has been observed in Bangladesh:

• From Individual Acts to State-Sponsored Repression: Government actions against political dissent have escalated from isolated incidents to systematic repression, with new laws serving as instruments of control.

• ICT Act and Digital Security Act: These laws have introduced severe penalties for online criticism, effectively silencing opposition and eroding freedoms without necessitating due process.

• Human Rights Abuses: Reports from human rights organizations indicate significant abuses and a systematic targeting of critics, contributing to the climate of fear and suppression in the country.

Conclusion: Endurance and Risks of Strongman Rule

While Hasina's regime has consolidated power, it significantly relies on individual leadership rather than institutional stability, presenting a precarious situation for governance. The potential vulnerabilities include internal conflicts within security forces (police vs. military), the risk of an Islamist resurgence, and economic downturns that could erode elite support for her government. Moreover, succession planning remains a considerable challenge, with implications that could affect the stability and future of the strongman regime in Bangladesh, potentially leading to significant political shifts or unrest.