In the past decade and a half Bangladeshi politics has undergone a dramatic shift, as it has witnessed the gradual erosion of democracy and weakening of the social cohesion. New political settlement among political actors has emerged. Institutions have decayed and radicalization of various kinds have become the norms of politics and society. Geopolitical changes and expedient politics of the incumbent have influenced the domestic politics and the country’s foreign relations.

More Than Meets the Eye examines these developments and offers incisive explanation with hints of the future direction. It documents the pathway of the past decades and contextualizes them within the broad trends since the independence of the country 50 years ago. Written in a lucid and accessible language, the book’s analyses are theoretically grounded and empirically supported. This book is a must read for observers of Bangladeshi politics, academics of Bangladesh studies, policymakers at home and abroad as well as wide audience with interests on Bangladesh.

Contents

List of Tables and Figures

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Three Decades of Bangladeshi Politics (1990-2019): The Emergence and Collapse of the Political Settlements The Legislature as a Tool, Executives’ Power Grab, and Civilian Authoritarianism

Bangladesh: Holding Together a Low Cohesion Society An Ideal Vision of Democracy in Bangladesh

More Than Meets the Eye: The Narratives of Secularism and Islam in Bangladesh

Understanding the Radicalization of the Bangladeshi Society and Politics

Religious Radicalization in Bangladesh

Indo-Bangladesh Relationship: ‘Saath Saath’ (Together) or Too Close for Comfort?

Making Walls, Fencing Borders, and Living on the Margin: Understanding the India-Bangladesh Border

Bibliograph

Index