Civil Society and Democracy in Bangladesh

This volume examines how Bangladesh’s civil society—NGOs, professional associations, student groups, media, trade unions, faith-based charities and community organizations—has shaped democratic practice since the 1990s. The book begins by tracing the conceptual debate: whether civil society is a sphere apart from the state and market or a set of relationships that continuously overlaps with both. It situates Bangladesh in comparative South Asian experience, noting how civic associations emerged from liberation-era networks, disaster response and microcredit innovations. Drawing on organizational case studies and policy episodes, the authors show how advocacy coalitions won space for electoral reform, women’s rights, anti-corruption initiatives and local government participation, while also documenting tensions—donor dependency, accountability gaps and urban bias. The chapters analyze media liberalization, the growth of satellite and community outlets, and the resulting shifts in agenda-setting power. Particular attention is given to mobilization around education quality, environmental protection and labor standards in export-oriented industries. The volume is realistic about trade-offs: civil society can amplify voice and bridge state capacity gaps, yet can also be co-opted, fragmented or inward-looking. The authors argue that the health of Bangladesh’s democracy rests on a plural, principled and competent civic sphere that can hold institutions to account without substituting for them. By proposing workable standards for transparency, conflict-of-interest rules and performance metrics, the book moves the conversation from abstract praise or critique to the practical craft of building credible civic platforms that earn trust over time.