Course Name:

101: Ancient and Medieval western Political Thought

Assignment Topic
Contemporary Challenges to rebuilding democracy in Bangladesh : Insights
from Western classical and medieval political thought

Submitted to
Dr.Mohammad Aynul Islam
Associate Professor
Department of Political Science
University of Dhaka

Submitted by
Farhaj
Roll:71,Section:A ,Session : 2023-2024
Department of Political Science
University of Dhaka
Introduction
Democracy in Bangladesh has witnessed a turbulent trajectory since its independence in
1971. The political landscape has been marred by authoritarian tendencies, electoral
manipulations, political violence, and institutional decay. In order to rebuild democracy in
Bangladesh, it is essential to examine the root causes of these challenges and draw insights
from the foundational ideas of Western classical and medieval political thought. Thinkers
such as Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, and Aquinas provide valuable perspectives on
governance, justice, and political stability that can be applied to the contemporary
democratic crisis in Bangladesh.
Section 1: The Current State of Democracy in Bangladesh
As of February 2025, Bangladesh is navigating a complex political landscape marked by
significant upheaval and ongoing challenges to its democratic framework.
Political Transition and Interim Government
In August 2024, a student-led uprising culminated in the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh
Hasina, who subsequently fled to India. In the aftermath, an interim government was
established under the leadership of Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, with military
backing. This administration faces the formidable tasks of stabilizing the nation, addressing
economic difficulties, and restoring public trust in governmental institutions.
Democracy Index and Governance
According to the Economist Intelligence Unit's Democracy Index, Bangladesh has been
classified as a "hybrid regime" since 2008. This categorization indicates the presence of
substantial irregularities in elections, widespread corruption, and weaknesses in the rule of
law. In the 2023 report, Bangladesh slipped two positions to rank 75th out of 167 countries,
with a notable decline in civil liberties.
Civil Liberties and Media Freedom
The state of civil liberties in Bangladesh remains precarious. Reports from Freedom House
highlight issues such as harassment and attacks on journalists, suppression of dissent, and
the use of legislation like the Digital Security Act to curb freedom of expression. These
challenges have contributed to a climate of self-censorship and fear among citizens and
media professionals.
Recent Unrest and Historical Reassessment
Tensions have escalated with incidents such as the destruction of the home of Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman, the country's founding leader and father of Sheikh Hasina. This act was
carried out by protesters opposing the interim government and symbolized deep divisions
within the nation. Concurrently, the interim government is undertaking efforts to revise the
nation's historical narrative, aiming to present a more balanced account of the 1971
liberation movement. This initiative includes updating educational materials to reflect
diverse perspectives, a move that has sparked both support and criticism.
Outlook:
The interim government has pledged to implement reforms and address human rights
concerns, with plans to hold elections by next year. However, the path forward is fraught
with challenges, including economic instability, political unrest, and the need to rebuild trust
in democratic institutions. The international community continues to monitor Bangladesh's
progress as it endeavors to navigate this critical juncture in its democratic journey.
Despite being a constitutional democracy, Bangladesh has struggled with issues such as
electoral corruption, judicial inefficiency, lack of press freedom, and political polarization.
The following are some major challenges:
1. Weak Electoral Integrity: Elections in Bangladesh have often been marred by
allegations of vote-rigging, voter suppression, and the use of law enforcement to
intimidate opposition candidates and voters.
2. Authoritarian Tendencies: The ruling party has been accused of centralizing power,
diminishing the role of opposition parties, and limiting democratic discourse.
3. Judicial and Institutional Weaknesses: The lack of independence in the judiciary and
other state institutions has undermined the democratic framework.
4. Political Violence: Clashes between political factions, suppression of dissent, and
crackdowns on opposition movements have weakened democratic stability.
5. Erosion of Civil Liberties: Freedom of speech and press have been increasingly
restricted, with journalists and activists facing legal and extrajudicial threats.
To address these challenges, we can turn to the insights provided by Western classical and
medieval political thinkers.
Section 2: Plato and the Dangers of Oligarchy and Tyranny
Plato, one of the most influential philosophers in Western thought, extensively discussed
Plato the dangers of Oligarchy and Tyranny in his work The Republic . He analyzed how
political systems evolve and how unjust forms of government can emerge from the decay of
more just ones.
Plato’s Critique of Oligarchy:
Plato viewed oligarchy as a deeply flawed system where a small group of wealthy elites rule,
prioritizing their own interests over the common good. In The Republic, he describes
oligarchy as arising when the ruling class becomes obsessed with wealth accumulation,
leading to social division between the rich and the poor.
Key Dangers of Oligarchy:
 1. Wealth Disparity and Social Unrest – Oligarchs prioritize personal enrichment,
neglecting the needs of the poor. This economic divide fosters resentment and
instability.
2. Erosion of Meritocracy – Power is concentrated in the hands of the wealthy rather
than the most capable, leading to ineffective governance.
3. Increased Crime and Corruption – The marginalized poor, deprived of opportunities,
may resort to crime, while the rich manipulate laws to maintain power.
The Descent into Tyranny
Plato warns that oligarchy eventually collapses into democracy, but not the ideal form—
rather, a chaotic and extreme democracy where excessive freedom leads to disorder. In this
stage, demagogues exploit public dissatisfaction, presenting themselves as champions of the
people.
How Tyranny Emerges
1. Excessive Freedom Leads to Anarchy – Without order, citizens demand a strong
leader to restore stability.
2. Rise of the Tyrant – A populist leader manipulates public emotions, promising to end
corruption and economic hardship.
3. Elimination of Opposition – Once in power, the tyrant dismantles institutions,
suppresses dissent, and uses force to maintain control.
Plato’s Ideal Alternative
To avoid the pitfalls of oligarchy and tyranny, Plato advocated for a philosopher-king, a ruler
guided by wisdom and reason rather than wealth or personal ambition. He argued that only
those with deep knowledge of justice and the Good should govern, ensuring a stable and
virtuous society.
Relevance Today
Plato’s warnings remain relevant in modern politics, where the dangers of oligarchic wealth
concentration and authoritarian rule continue to threaten democratic institutions
worldwide. His analysis serves as a reminder of the need for just governance, civic
education, and the prevention of political corruption.
Plato, in The Republic, critiques democracy for its potential to devolve into chaos and
tyranny. He argues that an uninformed electorate can be easily manipulated by
demagogues, leading to the rise of authoritarian rulers. In Bangladesh, the problem of
populist rhetoric, which often undermines rational policy-making, aligns with Plato’s
warnings.
Relevance to Bangladesh:
  Plato suggests that only a well-educated and morally upright ruling class can sustain
a just government. Bangladesh needs comprehensive educational reforms to
produce informed citizens who can participate meaningfully in democracy.
 Preventing the emergence of demagogues through institutional checks and balances
is crucial.
Section 3: Aristotle on the Importance of Mixed Government
Aristotle, in Politics, argues that the best form of government is a mixed constitution,
balancing monarchy (executive power), aristocracy (elite wisdom), and democracy (popular
participation). This equilibrium prevents the excesses of each form of governance.
Relevance to Bangladesh:
 Bangladesh suffers from excessive concentration of power in the executive branch.
Strengthening the independence of the judiciary and legislature can help restore
balance.
 Aristotle emphasizes the role of a middle class in stabilizing democracy. Economic
policies that promote equitable growth can strengthen democratic resilience.
Aristotle’s Classification of Governments
Aristotle categorized governments based on who rules and whether they govern for
the common good or their own self-interest:

Who Rules For the Common For Self-Interest (Corrupt

Good Form)

One Person Monarchy Tyranny

A Few Aristocracy Oligarchy

People

Many Polity (Mixed Gov.) Democracy (Mob Rule)

People

He argued that pure forms of government (monarchy, aristocracy, democracy) tend to

degrade into their corrupt forms (tyranny, oligarchy, mob rule). A mixed government, which
blends elements of different systems, is the best safeguard against instability.

3. Ensures Political Stability

 Pure democracies can lead to mob rule and impulsive decision-making.
 Monarchies and aristocracies often degenerate into tyranny or elite dominance.
  A mixed government incorporates checks and balances, making it resilient to political
upheavals.
Aristotle’s Ideal Mixed Government
Aristotle admired the Spartan and Roman constitutions for their mixed elements:
 Sparta: Combined a king (monarchy), a council of elders (aristocracy), and an
assembly of citizens (democracy).
 Rome: Blended a consul (executive power), the Senate (aristocracy), and the popular
assemblies (democracy).
He suggested that an ideal government would integrate these elements to maintain
balance, fairness, and stability.
Influence on Modern Governments
Aristotle’s theory of mixed government influenced modern political systems,
including:
 The United States Constitution, which combines:
o A President (monarchy-like executive).
o A Senate (aristocracy-like deliberative body).
o A House of Representatives (democratic assembly).
 European parliamentary systems, which mix executive, aristocratic, and democratic
elements.
His insights remain relevant today, as modern democracies struggle with corruption,
political polarization, and the balance of power.

Section 4: Cicero and the Role of Civic Virtue

Cicero, a Roman philosopher, emphasizes civic virtue, where political leaders must act in the
interest of the common good rather than personal gain.
Relevance to Bangladesh:
 Corruption is a major issue undermining democracy. Implementing stricter anti-
corruption measures and ensuring transparent governance align with Cicero’s
emphasis on civic virtue.
 Political education should encourage ethical leadership and public responsibility.
1. Duty and Moral Responsibility in Public Life
 In De Officiis (On Duties), Cicero argues that individuals have an ethical duty to act
justly and prioritize the public good over personal gain.
 He believed that leaders must govern with wisdom, honesty, and justice as political
power should serve the people, not personal ambition.
 He condemned selfishness, greed, and corruption, warning that they would lead to
the decline of the republic.
2. The Rule of Law and Justice
 Cicero saw law as the ultimate protector of liberty. He argued that true justice comes
from natural law, which is universal and based on reason.
 He emphasized that all citizens, including rulers, must be subject to the law,
preventing tyranny and ensuring equality.
 He famously stated: “The welfare of the people is the highest law” (Salus populi
suprema lex esto).
3. Republicanism and the Common Good
 Cicero advocated for a mixed government, combining elements of monarchy
(executive power), aristocracy (Senate), and democracy (popular participation).
 He argued that a republic must balance the will of the people with the wisdom of
experienced leaders to avoid both mob rule and autocracy.
 He strongly opposed dictatorship, believing that unchecked power would destroy
republican freedoms. His resistance to Julius Caesar’s rise to power eventually led to
his execution.
4. Education, Rhetoric, and Civic Engagement
 Cicero believed that education in philosophy, ethics, and rhetoric was essential for
developing virtuous citizens and leaders.
 He argued that eloquence and persuasion should be used to serve justice, not
manipulate the masses.
 He saw active participation in public affairs as the duty of every citizen, warning
against political apathy.

The Decline of Civic Virtue: Cicero’s Warning

Cicero warned that when citizens become selfish, indifferent, and corrupt, the
republic collapses. He saw this happening in Rome as ambition, greed, and violence
overtook civic duty. His assassination in 43 BCE marked the final collapse of the
Roman Republic, leading to the rise of the Roman Empire under Augustus.
 Cicero’s Influence on Modern Political Thought
Cicero’s ideas on civic virtue, law, and republicanism influenced:
 The U.S. Founding Fathers, particularly in shaping the Constitution, rule of law, and
separation of powers.
 Thinkers like John Locke, Montesquieu, and the Enlightenment philosophers, who
developed ideas of democracy and legal equality.
 The concept of active citizenship and moral leadership, which remains relevant in
discussions about democratic governance today.
Section 5: St. Augustine and the Problem of Political Corruption
1. The Two Cities: The City of God vs. The Earthly City
In The City of God, Augustine presents a dualistic vision of politics:
 The City of God represents the divine order, where people seek righteousness, truth,
and God’s will.
 The Earthly City represents human societies, which are often driven by selfishness,
pride, and the pursuit of power.
Since earthly governments belong to the Earthly City, they are inevitably corrupt because
they are ruled by sinful humans. Augustine argued that true justice can only be found in the
City of God, not in worldly politics.
2. The Root of Political Corruption: Human Sinfulness
 Augustine viewed original sin as the root cause of corruption. Humans are naturally
inclined toward selfishness, greed, and power-seeking, leading to unjust rule.
 Even well-intentioned rulers can fall into corruption when they prioritize personal
gain over justice.
 He believed that absolute power corrupts, as humans, when given unchecked
authority, tend to act in their own interest rather than for the common good.
3. The Role of Government: Necessary but Flawed
Despite its flaws, Augustine did not reject government. Instead, he saw it as a necessary
institution to restrain human evil:
 Governments exist to maintain order and prevent chaos, even though they are
imperfect.
 Rulers must act with humility and recognize that their power is limited and
temporary.
 Justice should be the guiding principle of governance, but true justice is only possible
through God.
He famously questioned: "Without justice, what are kingdoms but great robberies?"—
suggesting that many rulers are little more than glorified criminals if they govern unjustly.
4. The Danger of Idolizing Political Power
Augustine warned against placing too much faith in human governments:
 Many rulers seek power for their own glory, rather than serving the people.
 Political systems, no matter how strong, will always be vulnerable to corruption.
 Christians should obey lawful authorities but remember that true salvation lies in
God, not in politics.
Augustine’s Influence on Modern Thought
Augustine’s insights on political corruption have shaped:
 Medieval Christian political theory, influencing thinkers like Thomas Aquinas.
 The idea of limited government, as later developed by Enlightenment thinkers who
argued for checks and balances to prevent corruption.
 The belief that morality and ethics should guide leadership, which remains a core
principle in democratic societies.
In The City of God, Augustine argues that earthly politics is often corrupted by human
selfishness. He stresses the importance of justice as the foundation of a legitimate
government.
Relevance to Bangladesh:
 Political leaders must prioritize justice over personal or party interests.
 Strengthening judicial independence and enforcing laws fairly can help mitigate
political corruption.
Section 6: Thomas Aquinas and the Moral Foundations of Governance
1. The Role of Law in Governance
Aquinas argued that law is essential for the proper functioning of society. For him, laws are
not mere human constructs but must reflect moral truths and the natural order:
 Natural law: Aquinas believed that moral principles are embedded in human nature
and can be discovered through reason. These principles should guide both personal
actions and the laws of society.
 Divine law: While natural law provides the foundation for moral behavior, divine law
(revealed through scripture) is necessary for salvation and offers guidance on matters
that cannot be fully understood through human reason alone.
  Human law: This type of law is created by humans but must be in alignment with
natural law and divine law. If human laws conflict with these higher laws, they are
unjust and should not be followed.
Aquinas famously argued, “An unjust law is not a law at all.”
2. The Common Good as the Goal of Governance
For Aquinas, governance should always aim at promoting the common good—the welfare of
all citizens, not just the interests of the ruling class. He saw the role of government as the
organization of society to achieve moral ends.
 The common good involves not only material well-being but also the moral and
spiritual development of individuals within the society.
 Governments must protect and foster justice, peace, and the moral order, as these
are necessary for human flourishing. The state's role is to safeguard virtue and create
conditions for moral life.
3. The Nature of Political Authority
Aquinas believed that political authority comes from God, who has ordained that human
beings should live in organized societies. This belief connects to the idea of the divine right
of kings, but Aquinas emphasized that rulers must still adhere to moral laws:
 Just rulers are those who govern in accordance with natural law, aiming to achieve
the common good.
 Unjust rulers who seek personal gain or govern with cruelty are in violation of natural
law and thus are not legitimate authorities.
 The best form of government, according to Aquinas, is a mixed constitution
combining elements of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy to prevent any one
group from becoming too powerful or corrupt.

4. The Role of the Church in Politics

Aquinas saw the Church as having a distinct role in spiritual matters but also acknowledged
that the Church’s teachings could guide rulers in moral governance:
 While the Church is not a political institution, it is still essential in guiding rulers to act
justly and according to divine law.
 The separation of Church and State as seen in modern secularism was not a concept
Aquinas promoted. He believed that spiritual and temporal authorities should work
in harmony to achieve the common good.
5. The Right to Resist Unjust Authority
Although Aquinas supported the idea of political authority being rooted in divine will, he
also believed that subjects have the right to resist rulers who act unjustly. If a ruler fails to
fulfill their duty to promote the common good, the governed have a right to challenge their
rule:
 Resistance, however, must be proportional and based on moral reasoning. Aquinas
did not advocate for anarchy but encouraged obedience to just authority and
peaceful resistance to tyrannical rulers.
Aquinas' Influence on Modern Political Thought
Aquinas' work on the moral foundations of governance greatly influenced the development
of Western political theory, especially regarding:
 The natural law tradition, which continues to shape discussions of human rights and
justice.
 The relationship between morality and political authority, which influenced thinkers
like John Locke and Thomas Hobbes.
 The understanding of moral obligations in governance and the limits of political
authority.
 His views on the common good continue to inspire debates on social justice, political
ethics, and the role of government in fostering virtuous societies.
Relevance of Aquinas Today
Aquinas’ ideas remain relevant to contemporary political discussions:
 The natural law framework still shapes debates on human rights, social justice, and
economic systems.
 The idea that governance should aim at the common good is central to discussions
on welfare policies, public health, and environmental sustainability.
 Aquinas’ belief that unjust laws should not be followed resonates in movements
advocating for civil rights and social reforms.
Aquinas builds on Aristotle’s ideas, emphasizing that political authority must serve the
common good and be grounded in moral law.
Relevance to Bangladesh:
 The government must ensure policies that uphold human dignity, justice, and social
welfare.
 Policies should be driven by ethical considerations rather than political expediency.
Section 7: Machiavelli and the Pragmatic Approach to Power
Machiavelli, in The Prince, discusses the realities of power and governance, arguing that
rulers must sometimes take harsh measures to maintain stability.
Relevance to Bangladesh:
 While Machiavellian realism acknowledges the necessity of strong leadership, it must
not justify authoritarian rule.
 Political stability should be pursued through legal and democratic means rather than
repression.
Section 8: Strategies for Rebuilding Democracy in Bangladesh
1. Strengthening Electoral Integrity
 Independent Election Commission: Ensure that the Election Commission operates
free from political interference to hold free, fair, and transparent elections.
 Electoral Reforms: Introduce electoral reforms to address issues like voter
suppression, manipulation, and flawed voting systems. This includes using electronic
voting machines to ensure accuracy and reduce fraud.
 Fair Representation: Ensure the political system is representative of the diverse social
and ethnic groups in Bangladesh. Proportional representation systems may help
ensure fairer representation in the legislature.
2. Enhancing Accountability and Transparency
 Anti-Corruption Mechanisms: Strengthen the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and
make it more autonomous. The commission must have the power and independence
to investigate high-ranking politicians, businessmen, and other influential figures.
 Transparency Laws: Strengthen freedom of information and transparency laws to
ensure that government actions and spending are visible to the public, helping
citizens hold their leaders accountable.
 Whistleblower Protection: Introduce stronger protections for whistleblowers to
encourage the reporting of corruption and abuse within the government.

3. Promoting Political Pluralism

 Political Dialogue: Encourage dialogue between political parties to reduce the level
of partisan conflict and encourage cooperation for the common good of the nation.
 End Political Polarization: Address extreme political polarization by fostering
cooperation between opposing political factions, promoting a more inclusive political
culture that emphasizes shared national interests over partisan rivalry.
  Inclusive Governance: Encourage the participation of marginalized groups, including
youth, women, and religious minorities, in political decision-making processes.
4. Strengthening the Rule of Law
 Judicial Independence: Ensure that the judiciary remains independent and free from
political influence. This will allow judges to make decisions based on the rule of law
rather than political pressure.
 Legal Reforms: Modernize the legal system to provide swift, transparent, and just
resolutions for disputes, especially in electoral cases and political conflicts.
 Police and Security Reform: Reform the police and security forces to reduce political
manipulation, violence, and human rights abuses. This is essential for upholding law
and order fairly.
5. Improving Civic Engagement and Education
 Political Literacy: Focus on civic education to raise awareness about democratic
rights and responsibilities, teaching citizens about the electoral process, rule of law,
and human rights.
 Active Civil Society: Strengthen civil society organizations that advocate for
democracy, transparency, and human rights. These organizations can act as
watchdogs and provide a platform for citizens to voice their concerns.
 Encourage Voter Participation: Increase voter turnout by conducting awareness
campaigns and making the voting process more accessible and secure for all citizens.
6. Media Freedom and Press Independence
 Freedom of the Press: Protect the freedom of the press, ensuring that journalists can
work without fear of censorship, harassment, or intimidation.
 Accountability in Media: Implement ethics regulations to ensure that media outlets
report honestly, fairly, and without bias. Encourage media outlets to take
responsibility for spreading accurate information.
 Digital Literacy and Online Discourse: Address the role of social media in political
discourse, combating the spread of misinformation while ensuring the freedom of
speech is preserved.

7. Addressing Economic Inequality and Corruption

 Economic Justice: Address the root causes of economic inequality, which can fuel
disillusionment with democracy. Policies that promote poverty reduction, job
creation, and better access to education and healthcare can help build a more just
society.
  Business-Politics Nexus: Tackle the undue influence of businesses on politics by
ensuring business regulations are followed and politicians are not compromised by
wealthy interests.
8. International Support and Diplomacy
 International Partners: Work with international organizations like the United Nations
(UN), World Bank, and International Monetary Fund (IMF) to encourage reforms that
foster a healthy democracy.
 Regional Cooperation: Strengthen relationships with neighboring countries to foster
a stable regional environment, which can help Bangladesh focus on domestic political
and economic reforms.
 Human Rights Advocacy: Seek support from international human rights
organizations to push for political freedoms, civil liberties, and the safety of
journalists and activists.
 Institutional Capacity Building: Strengthen democratic institutions (like the
parliament, election commissions, and independent oversight bodies) to ensure they
can function effectively and independently.