Published: 09:06 AM, 10 December 2025
Electoral Democracy and Human Rights
Babul Chandra Sutradhar
In modern democratic governance, elections are given more importance; because the government elected by the direct vote of the people is considered to be more committed to the welfare of the country and the people. More importantly, only in democracy, the government is formed by reflecting the opinions of the people who own the country. Democracy is triumphant everywhere in the world except for a few countries. Our country, Bangladesh, is no exception. However, the question remains- does a democratically elected government mean a government of the people? Or, is there a need to judge and analyze the activities of the government after the election? If a good election is held, it means that democracy has come or is prevailing in the country- we have become accustomed in hearing this. But, is it really so? Although individuals and groups demanding democracy were supposed to present an explanation to the people on this issue; in reality we do not see it. I would like to shed some light on the issue in the context of Bangladesh.
From the beginning to the present- the change of government in Bangladesh is not a pleasant one; at least not above debate - no one seems to deny this. However, the Awami League government had to leave in the ‘worst wayÕ on August 5, 2024. But unfortunately, the interim government has not been able to prevent the continuation of the alleged undemocratic behavior of the previous government. Let us present some research-based information.
Here are some of the facts that the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) has drawn in a report on the human rights situation in Bangladesh in the first 6 months (January-June 2025) of this year:
· 529 incidents of political violence; 79 deaths and 4,124 injuries.
· 152 attacks on journalists; 111 injuries, 257 victims of torture and harassment, 20 victims of insults, 34 victims of threats and 10 arrests.
· 141 incidents of mob lynching; 67 deaths and 119 injuries.
· 141 deaths in prison; Prisoners 13 and detainees 27.
· Attacks on minority communities 10; 4 injured, attacks on temples 1, idol vandalism 11, land grabbing 2, attacks on homes 18.
· Attacks on labors/ workers 112; 59 killed and 720 injured.
· Violence against women and children 1042; rape 473 (children 292), gang rape 110, murder after rape 14, suicide due to rape 7, victims of sexual assault 253 (143 children).
· Deaths in clashes with law enforcement, custody and torture 14.
Some main findings of the organization's investigation or observation in October 2025 in this regard are as follows:
nIncidents of political violence 64.
nAttacks on journalists 34.
nMob lynching 17.
nDeaths in prison 7.
nAttacks on minority communities 2.
nAttacks on labors/ workers 35.
nIncidents of violence against women and children 221.
nChildren harassment 133.
The report emphasizes that the numbers mentioned have been finalized only in the light of incidents reported in the media; the actual number may be higher. The word ‘worrisomeÕ is mentioned in several places in the report regarding the number of incidents.
The rights and other morals provided by the state guide the overall behavior of a person. Whatever the type of governance system of a state, the real test of political leaders is how much human rights can be implemented. The common people have become giddy after hearing all these like good governance, democracy, liberty and so on. But has it been possible to free all people from deprivation of rights, neglect, fear, insecurity, intolerance of dissent? There is no way to deny that people who are neither for nor against anyone are setting shops, places of worship and houses on fire, looting, beatings and many other such acts are being carried out frequently; there is a sharp increase in commodity prices, inability to provide necessary support to talented children, and the soundless cries of people terrified to protect their honor and so many more. On the other hand, there is a festive celebration of creating mountains of domination and wealth through illegal trade and looting, Is this the rule of law, is this the good governance? Was this what freedom was wanted?
Among the methods of governance, democracy is also considered as the most powerful method or system for protecting human rights. However, it is worth remembering that the beginning of a democratic system does not guarantee that human rights will be established. I think no one will look for an example for this; because, news of human rights violations in some places in the world is being published in the media almost every day. As a result, the issue of human rights violations has become a big deal these days. Many incidents are not even considered as incidents. In many countries known as ‘democraticÕ, many types of incidents are reported, which hurt their democratic character. However, it is not possible for many to adopt the mindset to consider that blow or understand it. Moreover, many do not even feel the need for it. Since it is a system of majority rule, everything is assumed good if the majority is in good condition. This political use of statistics encourages human rights violations. That is, the aspirations or dangers of minorities, small ethnic groups or marginalized populations often remain unexpressed or even if they are revealed, no solution initiative becomes visible.
Again, many people also have limitations in their ideas about the nature of democracy. Elections are held in the state after a fixed term - most people's ideas about democracy revolve around this. But in fact, elections are only a preliminary step in democracy; it can be said, the gateway to democracy. The main flow of democracy actually begins after the elections. To clarify the matter, we can rely on the book ‘The PoliticsÕ of the great Aristotle, the father of political science, where he wrote, ÔÔThe basis of democratic state is liberty; which, according to the common opinion of men, can only be enjoyed in such a state; this they affirm to be the great end of every democracy. One principle of liberty is for all to rule and be ruled in turn, and indeed democratic justice is the application of numerical not proportionate equality; whence it follows that the majority must be supreme, and that whatever the majority approve must be the end and the just. Every citizen, it is said, must have equality.. .” He strongly describes the sovereign state of the poor class as democracy and the sovereign state of the wealthy class as oligarchy.
In the political reality of Bangladesh, it is not known whether there is a simple answer to the question of who is poor among the party leaders. Of course, in a sense, most of those who are practicing politics here are poor- this can be said by reviewing the records of the people who have practiced politics in the country so far. If the common people become sovereign or independent, these politicians feel anxiety. Moreover, ruling and being ruled by succession or equality of all citizens- that is a matter of great nuisance!
National elections will be held in Bangladesh on next February (2026). All individuals and parties participating in this election will cordially evaluate the statistics mentioned and Aristotle's statements- this is the expectation of the general people of the country. Because, the real source of human rights is hidden within these data and statements. Only through this, can the underlying sense and demands of International Human Rights Day move forward.
Babul Chandra Sutradhar is a researcher and a human
rights activist.
