Since independence, democracy has been on a knife's edge in Bangladesh. Moreover, corruption, criminalisation and militarization have constantly taken newer shapes in the country. Although, after years of authoritarian and army rule a democratic set-up was established in 1991, the train of democracy was derailed when Bangladesh came under a state of emergency in 2007. Ultimately, however, the military-backed caretaker government succeeded in holding free and fair elections in December 2008, which the Awami Leagueled Grand Alliance won with an overwhelming two-thirds majority. Though democracy has been restored, it needs to be sustained through concerted efforts.
