Awami League's Competitive Authoritarian Rule in Bangladesh (2014-2024)

Abstract

The rule of the Awami League (AL) in Bangladesh from 2009 to 2024 represents the consolidation of power and democratic degradation. The AL maintained a formal democratic approach while systematically destabilizing democratic principles and institutional autonomy.

This paper examines the structure and function of the Awami League (AL) regime in Bangladesh from 2009 to 2024 through the lens of Steven Levitsky and Lucan A. Way's theory of competitive authoritarianism. It will examine the process of AL's consolidation of power and violations of democratic principles and institutions. This study uses qualitative approaches and secondary data to investigate how the AL had exploited democratic standards despite maintaining a timely election.

My research demonstrates that the AL incorporated state institutions to consolidate power and imposed a competitive authoritarian regime, masking it as democracy. The AL gained control of important institutions such as the legislature, the judiciary, the media, and law enforcement, weakening checks and balances and stifling political opposition. By imprisoning civic activists, restricting journalistic freedom, and persecuting political opponents, a climate of fear was fostered.

AL maintained key democratic features like the election and established an autocratic rule by controlling state institutions. A democracy is not a democracy without independent institutions, as there are no checks and balances. 

Keywords: Hybrid Regime, Democracy, Autocracy, Authoritarianism, Consolidation Of Power, Bangladesh Politics, State Co-Optation