Contemporary Politics in Bangladesh: A Realpolitik Analysis of Deeply Divided Society and the Softstate

The contemporary politics in Bangladesh, which witnessed a regime change following the “Quota Protest” by student protesters and the use of force by the state, is a significant issue that requires careful consideration as a highly debated governance matter in South Asia. This region often serves as a testing ground for democracy and its discontents (Dryzek, 2005; Myrdal, 1968). The paper provides an in-depth analysis of the contemporary politics of Bangladesh by exploring the dynamics of inheritance and dynastic politics in South Asia, with a specific focus on India’s presence in the neighborhood and the intertwined issues surrounding collective action, protest movements, and the urge for deliberative democracy in a deeply divided society and a soft state (Lederach, 1997; Mann, 2005). By examining post-Hasina Bangladesh politics, the discussion in this paper explores how the interim administration of Bangladesh has been addressing the braided issues of deeply divided society and ‘the soft state’ to arrive at peace.